Have you made any New Year resolutions? Were they the same ones you made last year and the year before that? When it comes to living up to our New Years resolutions, most of the time we fail to keep them. Our resolutions may be good, but we’re not strong enough in our flesh to keep them.
The Bible tells us that our flesh is weak and focused on the wrong things. We do not rule our flesh, our flesh rules us. The Apostle Paul tells us in the 7th chapter of Romans that ‘no good thing dwells within us’ and ‘that which I would do, I do not and that which I would not do, I do.’ The flesh is evil.
Our sinful flesh cannot be reformed by a resolution. It must be transformed by a commitment. That commitment is found in Romans 12:1 where God’s mercy implores us to commit ourselves to God as a ‘living sacrifice.’ When we do, we will find that the flesh no longer controls us. As we read God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to quicken it to our hearts, we will find ourselves transformed. Jesus explains it as ‘born again.’
Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:22-24 that Christ has taught us to ‘Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. And that you put on the new man created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness.’ Start the New Year right. Make a commitment to God.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
DO YOU KNOW THE WAY? by Ray Eddy
No, I’m not asking for directions to Santa Fe. I’m asking, do you know the way to find true meaning in life, the way to inner peace, the way to hope for the future, the way to forgiveness for the past, and the way to purpose in the present? Everyday life presents opportunities for us to choose which way we will go. A poem by John Oxenham challenges us to make correct choices.
“To every man there openeth a Way, and Ways, and a Way.
And the High Soul climbs the High Way,
And the Low Soul gropes the Low.
And in between on the misty flats, the rest drift to and fro.
But to every man there openeth a High Way and a Low.
And every man decideth the Way his soul shall go.”
Perhaps you are like Thomas and unsure about the way you should go.
He asked Jesus in I John 14:5b; “…how can we know the way? Jesus answered him in verse 6; “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Which way will your soul go when this life is over? Choose the high way;
choose Jesus.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
“To every man there openeth a Way, and Ways, and a Way.
And the High Soul climbs the High Way,
And the Low Soul gropes the Low.
And in between on the misty flats, the rest drift to and fro.
But to every man there openeth a High Way and a Low.
And every man decideth the Way his soul shall go.”
Perhaps you are like Thomas and unsure about the way you should go.
He asked Jesus in I John 14:5b; “…how can we know the way? Jesus answered him in verse 6; “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Which way will your soul go when this life is over? Choose the high way;
choose Jesus.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, December 14, 2009
LIFE GOES ON FOR AN ITTY BITTY WHILE by Ray Eddy
James 4:14 says; “Your life is like a mist, you can see it for a short time, but then it goes away.” Nobody lives one moment longer than what God allows. In Psalms 139:16 David declares; “All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.” Only God knows how long anyone will live.
This makes life very precious. No matter how many years we live it is but a moment in eternity. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:8 that; “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.”
Psalms 90:12 says; “Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may live wisely.” In Ecclesiates Solomon tells us that the way man lives is vanity. There is no profit from labor, the eye is never satisfied, there is nothing new under the sun and that those who come after us will not remember us.
In God’s eyes no one lives longer than they should and no one dies untimely. What is important is how we live the time that God has given us and our relationship with God when we leave this earth.
Solomon concludes therefore in the last chapter of Ecclesiates; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandants, for this is the whole duty of man.” The wise way to live is as God’s adopted son or daughter through believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
This makes life very precious. No matter how many years we live it is but a moment in eternity. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:8 that; “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.”
Psalms 90:12 says; “Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may live wisely.” In Ecclesiates Solomon tells us that the way man lives is vanity. There is no profit from labor, the eye is never satisfied, there is nothing new under the sun and that those who come after us will not remember us.
In God’s eyes no one lives longer than they should and no one dies untimely. What is important is how we live the time that God has given us and our relationship with God when we leave this earth.
Solomon concludes therefore in the last chapter of Ecclesiates; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandants, for this is the whole duty of man.” The wise way to live is as God’s adopted son or daughter through believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, November 30, 2009
IF NOW WAS THEN by Ray Eddy
Imagine that you were living in the time of Christ. How would you have reacted to Him if He passed through the place where you lived? Would you have wondered what all the excitement was about? Would you have gone out to the street and watched Him go by? Would you have left your job to go hear Him when He spoke? Would you have stood wide-eyed and heart-filled with wonder? Would you have wanted to get His autograph?
Or, would you have wondered why the authorities didn’t step in before things got out of hand? Would you have questioned His association with some of ‘those kinds of people?’ Would you have doubted some of the stories regarding His miraculous works and the testimony of those who were healed by His word or the touch of His hand? Would you have greeted Him with rejoicing one day and called for His execution a few days later? Would you have doubts about His claims of divinity when He claimed to be the Son of God who came ‘to seek and to save the lost.’
But now is not then. Now you live in an enlightened age and those decisions are mute. Jesus doesn’t live today. Or does He? Read Revelation 1:17-18. He is alive today and is knocking at your heart’s door! What will your decision be?
Read more blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
Or, would you have wondered why the authorities didn’t step in before things got out of hand? Would you have questioned His association with some of ‘those kinds of people?’ Would you have doubted some of the stories regarding His miraculous works and the testimony of those who were healed by His word or the touch of His hand? Would you have greeted Him with rejoicing one day and called for His execution a few days later? Would you have doubts about His claims of divinity when He claimed to be the Son of God who came ‘to seek and to save the lost.’
But now is not then. Now you live in an enlightened age and those decisions are mute. Jesus doesn’t live today. Or does He? Read Revelation 1:17-18. He is alive today and is knocking at your heart’s door! What will your decision be?
Read more blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
MAÑANA IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME! by Ray Eddy
When I was a child my mother called me ‘The Just a Minute Kid.’ When ever she asked me to do something my response was always, ‘Just a Minute.’ Of course it was always more than a minute. When I did respond it was because I recognized the change in her tone of voice.
My experience with procrastination began at an early age. It’s not something I learned. I believe I was born with it. This was first evidenced by my reluctance to leave the womb on time. It’s not a desirable trait, and I have to work hard not to practice it.
Mañana - putting off today what can be done tomorrow, can have some devastating results. When I was a child it was usually a swat on the behind. But if I put off going to the dentist or the doctor, the result could be far worse, even to the point of death due to a disease that went undetected.
Natural procrastination affects many people, but a lot also practice spiritual procrastination. Many have heard the gospel and said “I’ll accept the Lord when I’m older. Right now I want to experience what life has to offer.” This delay may result in spiritual death. But receiving Jesus brings eternal life with God. Read I Cor. 5:2 “Now is the day of salvation.”
Read more blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
My experience with procrastination began at an early age. It’s not something I learned. I believe I was born with it. This was first evidenced by my reluctance to leave the womb on time. It’s not a desirable trait, and I have to work hard not to practice it.
Mañana - putting off today what can be done tomorrow, can have some devastating results. When I was a child it was usually a swat on the behind. But if I put off going to the dentist or the doctor, the result could be far worse, even to the point of death due to a disease that went undetected.
Natural procrastination affects many people, but a lot also practice spiritual procrastination. Many have heard the gospel and said “I’ll accept the Lord when I’m older. Right now I want to experience what life has to offer.” This delay may result in spiritual death. But receiving Jesus brings eternal life with God. Read I Cor. 5:2 “Now is the day of salvation.”
Read more blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
Thursday, November 12, 2009
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! by Ray Eddy
A famous musician was once asked how he learned to play so well. His reply was, “Practice, practice, practice.” Everybody knows how important practice is if you want to excel in any activity. Every golf ‘duffer’ knows that his lack of skills is due to a lack of adequate practice.
What about your attempt to live the Christian life? How much time do you spend practicing the basic principles? Principles like: daily Bible reading and study, prayer, regular church attendance and obedience to God. It is easier to embrace Biblical principles than it is to live up to them. That’s why practice is so important.
Christians are often accused of being ‘too preachy,’ and when they don’t practice what they preach they are rightly called hypocrites. In other words, they talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. Anybody can pick up a golf club and swing it and look professional… until they put the ball down and attempt to hit it.
Our life is lived on a 24/7 basis, and our Christian life should be practiced 24/7 as well. Don’t be content to be a ‘duffer’ when it comes to living for Christ. Remember, ‘Practice makes Perfect.’
Read more blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
What about your attempt to live the Christian life? How much time do you spend practicing the basic principles? Principles like: daily Bible reading and study, prayer, regular church attendance and obedience to God. It is easier to embrace Biblical principles than it is to live up to them. That’s why practice is so important.
Christians are often accused of being ‘too preachy,’ and when they don’t practice what they preach they are rightly called hypocrites. In other words, they talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. Anybody can pick up a golf club and swing it and look professional… until they put the ball down and attempt to hit it.
Our life is lived on a 24/7 basis, and our Christian life should be practiced 24/7 as well. Don’t be content to be a ‘duffer’ when it comes to living for Christ. Remember, ‘Practice makes Perfect.’
Read more blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
Thursday, November 5, 2009
THE TRAGIC WEDDING By Paul Luna
Let me tell you of a tragic wedding day story. Not Long ago a father was setting up for his daughter’s wedding at the beach. With just a few hours to go the father had made sure that everything was perfectly set –up for the ceremony to take place at sunset. The decorations where in place, the banquet table was prepared, the sand sculptures had been finished and the cake sat on it pedestal. Then something tragic happened. As the father stood admiring all that had been done a flock of seagulls dive bombed the wedding cake. The seagulls were beyond ruthless as they tore apart the cake spreading it on the ground and fighting over every bite. The father was horrified as he beat back the birds in a vain effort to protect his daughter’s wedding cake. At last the he fended off the now fattened birds, but the cake was completely ruined.
The baker, seeing the anguish of the father, quickly returned to his bakery and with no time to spare whipped up another cake with everything he had. The cake, while not as admirable as the first cake, was beautiful and the best the baker could do with such little time.
He loaded the cake into his van and raced back to the beach where he found the father still saddened by earlier events. “Good news!” the baker told the father, “I have made you another cake free of charge to replace the one that was lost.” The father was excited by this news and quickly hurried to the bakers van. But upon opening the doors to the van the father’s face changed to anger. “This is not the cake I wanted!” he yelled, “I ordered a cake that was shaped like a clam!”
Recently, I was in the position of being the baker. Something went wrong, and I tried to help resolve the problem. Unfortunately, the outcome was less than perfect. In the end people only realized what was missing and not what was there. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever gone out of your way to help others and received no thanks? Don’t worry; your effort did not go unnoticed. Our father in heaven sees all of our works. “And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded.” Mark 9:41. Do not look for man’s praise, but know that our father in Heaven is praising you. And, when someone does something for you, remember to be grateful for what they have done even if it is not exactly what you had hoped for.
Read more blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
The baker, seeing the anguish of the father, quickly returned to his bakery and with no time to spare whipped up another cake with everything he had. The cake, while not as admirable as the first cake, was beautiful and the best the baker could do with such little time.
He loaded the cake into his van and raced back to the beach where he found the father still saddened by earlier events. “Good news!” the baker told the father, “I have made you another cake free of charge to replace the one that was lost.” The father was excited by this news and quickly hurried to the bakers van. But upon opening the doors to the van the father’s face changed to anger. “This is not the cake I wanted!” he yelled, “I ordered a cake that was shaped like a clam!”
Recently, I was in the position of being the baker. Something went wrong, and I tried to help resolve the problem. Unfortunately, the outcome was less than perfect. In the end people only realized what was missing and not what was there. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever gone out of your way to help others and received no thanks? Don’t worry; your effort did not go unnoticed. Our father in heaven sees all of our works. “And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded.” Mark 9:41. Do not look for man’s praise, but know that our father in Heaven is praising you. And, when someone does something for you, remember to be grateful for what they have done even if it is not exactly what you had hoped for.
Read more blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, September 21, 2009
A FIRM RESOLVE by Jeff Steele
“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank.” Daniel 1:8a
Daniel found himself taken captive to Babylon as a teenager and put into a program where his name was changed and he was taught Babylonian language, culture and religion. The goal was to brainwash Daniel and his three friends. Daniel and his friends were concerned that the food either violated God’s laws by serving something that was forbidden, or that the food and wine had been offered to the Babylonian gods before being served to them.
That Daniel made up his mind, or literally that he set it upon his heart, that he wouldn’t defile himself with the king’s food is significant. He resolved in his heart to do what was right in God’s eyes and would pay whatever price that obedience cost, even his execution if he refused to cooperate. That’s a hard decision for anyone, much less a 17 year old.
Let me ask you today, where have you set your heart to obey God and see it thru until the end, no matter what it might cost you? If you’re a single adult or you’re a young person, have you set your heart upon staying sexually pure until your wedding night? Only a firm conviction of your heart to do right will give you the strength to stay faithful. Men, are you willing to do whatever it takes, including becoming accountable and getting rid of the internet if necessary, to stay pure and avoid pornography? Only a firm conviction of your heart to do right will keep you faithful.
How strong is your commitment to be honest and not cut corners at work or on your taxes? Only the firm conviction of your heart to be completely honesty will keep you from giving in to the pressure from people around you or your own fallen nature, to lie or cheat for the sake of money. Sadly, too many Christians are faithful right up to the point where it touches their wallet or starts costing them money.
Like Daniel and his friends, we need to set our hearts to do right and make it our firm conviction to what God has asked us to do, no matter what the cost.
Read more blogs at www.HeartoftheCanyons.com.
Daniel found himself taken captive to Babylon as a teenager and put into a program where his name was changed and he was taught Babylonian language, culture and religion. The goal was to brainwash Daniel and his three friends. Daniel and his friends were concerned that the food either violated God’s laws by serving something that was forbidden, or that the food and wine had been offered to the Babylonian gods before being served to them.
That Daniel made up his mind, or literally that he set it upon his heart, that he wouldn’t defile himself with the king’s food is significant. He resolved in his heart to do what was right in God’s eyes and would pay whatever price that obedience cost, even his execution if he refused to cooperate. That’s a hard decision for anyone, much less a 17 year old.
Let me ask you today, where have you set your heart to obey God and see it thru until the end, no matter what it might cost you? If you’re a single adult or you’re a young person, have you set your heart upon staying sexually pure until your wedding night? Only a firm conviction of your heart to do right will give you the strength to stay faithful. Men, are you willing to do whatever it takes, including becoming accountable and getting rid of the internet if necessary, to stay pure and avoid pornography? Only a firm conviction of your heart to do right will keep you faithful.
How strong is your commitment to be honest and not cut corners at work or on your taxes? Only the firm conviction of your heart to be completely honesty will keep you from giving in to the pressure from people around you or your own fallen nature, to lie or cheat for the sake of money. Sadly, too many Christians are faithful right up to the point where it touches their wallet or starts costing them money.
Like Daniel and his friends, we need to set our hearts to do right and make it our firm conviction to what God has asked us to do, no matter what the cost.
Read more blogs at www.HeartoftheCanyons.com.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
THE BEST SCHOOL IN TOWN by Paul Luna
Today was Mason’s first day of Kindergarten, and thus his first time using the God Time Cards that Kidz Quest provides. What is the verdict? Mason loves them. He loves them so much that he wanted to go over the material twice! That is exactly what we did. Not only did we make one prayer Journal together, we made a separate one that he could write in whenever he wants.
Ever since the birth of our first child, Mason, the words of Jesus, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away,” (Matthew 19:14) stood out to me. In response my wife and I instill in our children’s hearts lessons and stories about God and His people. We read children’s Bible storybooks and read through children’s Bibles with them. We also have deep discussions about God, Jesus and man. The results are great! My children have a natural hunger to learn, and teaching them what I know is very rewarding. It deepens our relationships, builds fond memories and helps them to know God.
The best lessons in life do not come from a child’s classroom or Sunday school class, but at home. Arnold Glasow says it best, “The family fireside is the best of schools.” If you are not using the God Time Cards or you started and for one reason or another stopped, it is time to start doing them again. God Time cards are designed to help your elementary age child begin the habit of seeking after God on their own and personalizing their relationship with Him. Take advantage of this resource. The eternal value for both you and your child is worth the investment!
Ultimately the best School in Town is your very own home.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Ever since the birth of our first child, Mason, the words of Jesus, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away,” (Matthew 19:14) stood out to me. In response my wife and I instill in our children’s hearts lessons and stories about God and His people. We read children’s Bible storybooks and read through children’s Bibles with them. We also have deep discussions about God, Jesus and man. The results are great! My children have a natural hunger to learn, and teaching them what I know is very rewarding. It deepens our relationships, builds fond memories and helps them to know God.
The best lessons in life do not come from a child’s classroom or Sunday school class, but at home. Arnold Glasow says it best, “The family fireside is the best of schools.” If you are not using the God Time Cards or you started and for one reason or another stopped, it is time to start doing them again. God Time cards are designed to help your elementary age child begin the habit of seeking after God on their own and personalizing their relationship with Him. Take advantage of this resource. The eternal value for both you and your child is worth the investment!
Ultimately the best School in Town is your very own home.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
PRINCESSES AND PRINCES by Paul Luna
Tonight and every night I remind my daughter that she can be a princess if she wants to be one. I’m not feeding her some fairy tale dream; rather I am very serious when I tell her that she can be a princess. Not only can our daughters be princesses, but our sons can be princes if they choose to be.
God is Lord of all things visible and invisible; He created the world and all the heavens. “Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalms 33:8-9. The Bible tells us that God made Heaven His throne and the earth His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). God is King!
Everyone who accepts Christ as Lord and Savior is brought into God’s family. They receive a new identity as the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, and are children of God. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1a. Rom 8:15b says that we “received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” The word adoption in the New Testament Roman legal terms refers to a legal action by which a person takes into their family a person not their own, but with the purpose of treating them as their own. Legally this child is entitled to all rights and privileges of a natural-born child. Each of us who accepts Christ is adopted into God’s family with Him as our Father.
God is not an impersonal Father, but a Dad who loves His children. He desires a relationship with you and your family, so that He may share His eternal wealth and blessings. This month teach your children to know and love God. Tell them that He is their heavenly Father who loves them and that in Christ they are princes and princesses.
“I come with joy, a child of God, forgiven, loved, and free, the life of Jesus to recall, in love laid down for me.” (Quoted from Come with Joy, A Child of God by Brian Wren)
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
God is Lord of all things visible and invisible; He created the world and all the heavens. “Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalms 33:8-9. The Bible tells us that God made Heaven His throne and the earth His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). God is King!
Everyone who accepts Christ as Lord and Savior is brought into God’s family. They receive a new identity as the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, and are children of God. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1a. Rom 8:15b says that we “received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” The word adoption in the New Testament Roman legal terms refers to a legal action by which a person takes into their family a person not their own, but with the purpose of treating them as their own. Legally this child is entitled to all rights and privileges of a natural-born child. Each of us who accepts Christ is adopted into God’s family with Him as our Father.
God is not an impersonal Father, but a Dad who loves His children. He desires a relationship with you and your family, so that He may share His eternal wealth and blessings. This month teach your children to know and love God. Tell them that He is their heavenly Father who loves them and that in Christ they are princes and princesses.
“I come with joy, a child of God, forgiven, loved, and free, the life of Jesus to recall, in love laid down for me.” (Quoted from Come with Joy, A Child of God by Brian Wren)
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A HEART OF WORSHIP by Jeff Steele
David is called a man after God’s own heart, and one of the chief areas his heart was on display was in his worship. David was passionate in his worship of God and it can be seen in several areas of his life.
His Public Worship
In 2 Samuel 13-14, we are told when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, that David was dancing before the Lord and was worshipping Him with shouting and music. It didn’t matter that people were watching him; David was determined to worship God publicly - without shame. When his wife Michal rebuked him for his public worship, David replied that he will celebrate before the Lord, no matter what she thought. God wants us to be willing to worship him publicly, whether that means standing, lifting our hands or kneeling. We need to be more focused on what God thinks of our worship than what people think about us when we worship.
His Sacrificial Worship
In 2 Samuel 24:15-24, David was commanded to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, because that was the place God stopped the plague on Israel. When David told Araunah what he wanted, Araunah offered to give David everything he needed: the threshing floor, the oxen to sacrifice and the wood for the offering. But David refused to take it without paying for it, telling Araunah, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.” David’s passion for God wouldn’t allow him to worship God on the cheap. We need to give willingly and sacrificially to God because our God is great and awesome and is worthy of such sacrifices. Cheap worship isn’t real worship.
His Lavish Worship
Finally, despite his desire to build a temple for God, David was told by God he couldn’t (2 Samuel 7:1-17). But that didn’t stop David from giving lavishly to the temple that his son Solomon would one day build. In 1 Chronicles 22, David gathered stone and timber and gave huge amounts of gold, silver, iron and bronze so that everything would be ready for Solomon to build the temple. David’s lavish giving inspired the leaders and people of Israel to give lavishly as well (1 Chronicles 29:6-9). Our God is so great there are times when only extravagant worship will do, and it is this lavish worship that will touch the hearts of people around us.
David lays out for us what a heart of real worship looks. So do a heart exam today, and ask yourself, “Am I willing to worship publicly? Is my worship sacrificial? Have I ever worshipped God lavishly?” These are the marks of true worship for the believer who has a heart like David’s, the man after God’s own heart.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
His Public Worship
In 2 Samuel 13-14, we are told when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, that David was dancing before the Lord and was worshipping Him with shouting and music. It didn’t matter that people were watching him; David was determined to worship God publicly - without shame. When his wife Michal rebuked him for his public worship, David replied that he will celebrate before the Lord, no matter what she thought. God wants us to be willing to worship him publicly, whether that means standing, lifting our hands or kneeling. We need to be more focused on what God thinks of our worship than what people think about us when we worship.
His Sacrificial Worship
In 2 Samuel 24:15-24, David was commanded to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, because that was the place God stopped the plague on Israel. When David told Araunah what he wanted, Araunah offered to give David everything he needed: the threshing floor, the oxen to sacrifice and the wood for the offering. But David refused to take it without paying for it, telling Araunah, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.” David’s passion for God wouldn’t allow him to worship God on the cheap. We need to give willingly and sacrificially to God because our God is great and awesome and is worthy of such sacrifices. Cheap worship isn’t real worship.
His Lavish Worship
Finally, despite his desire to build a temple for God, David was told by God he couldn’t (2 Samuel 7:1-17). But that didn’t stop David from giving lavishly to the temple that his son Solomon would one day build. In 1 Chronicles 22, David gathered stone and timber and gave huge amounts of gold, silver, iron and bronze so that everything would be ready for Solomon to build the temple. David’s lavish giving inspired the leaders and people of Israel to give lavishly as well (1 Chronicles 29:6-9). Our God is so great there are times when only extravagant worship will do, and it is this lavish worship that will touch the hearts of people around us.
David lays out for us what a heart of real worship looks. So do a heart exam today, and ask yourself, “Am I willing to worship publicly? Is my worship sacrificial? Have I ever worshipped God lavishly?” These are the marks of true worship for the believer who has a heart like David’s, the man after God’s own heart.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, July 20, 2009
MY LITTLE ARROW by Paul Luna
This past June my wife and I had our third child, Jaxsen. His older brother and sister just love him. He has been such a blessing to our family! Sitting back this evening I am reminded what Solomon said, “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NIV).
Children are a reward from God. All of our children are to be treasured, loved and appreciated. They are more than just little people; they are a gift from God trusted into our care. God must think a lot of Kimmy and I to entrust us with such precious gifts. But what are we to do with these gifts?
Solomon goes on to say that “Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!” Psalm 127:4-5a. As an arrow must be carefully aimed, a child must also be carefully trained. It takes a long time to aim an arrow, but once it is on target, it can be released and will fly in a straight path.
I encourage you to fire your children at the heart of God. Teach them to know and love Jesus and to love and serve others. Your influence will have a greater impact on them than any other.
What happens at home is more important than what happens at church.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Children are a reward from God. All of our children are to be treasured, loved and appreciated. They are more than just little people; they are a gift from God trusted into our care. God must think a lot of Kimmy and I to entrust us with such precious gifts. But what are we to do with these gifts?
Solomon goes on to say that “Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!” Psalm 127:4-5a. As an arrow must be carefully aimed, a child must also be carefully trained. It takes a long time to aim an arrow, but once it is on target, it can be released and will fly in a straight path.
I encourage you to fire your children at the heart of God. Teach them to know and love Jesus and to love and serve others. Your influence will have a greater impact on them than any other.
What happens at home is more important than what happens at church.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
WHERE IS YOUR HOPE
“Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2
This is one of the most compelling events in scripture: God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Why would God ask Abraham to do that when human sacrifice is condemned throughout the Bible? God had a very good reason. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac, the child of promise, to be born. Now, 10 or 15 years later, Abraham begins to look at Isaac and say, “Here is my future. Everything depends on this boy.” God put Abraham through the toughest test in his life to teach him that his future didn’t depend on Isaac, but on the God who made the promise and gave him Isaac.
Over time, Abraham’s love for Isaac began to crowd out his love for God. Isaac became a rival for Abraham’s affection. God will not have any rivals. Abraham then had a choice: hold on to Isaac no matter what or be willing to let go and obey God by sacrificing his son. Abraham chose to obey God, even though he didn’t understand what God was doing. He chose to act in faith and trust God to work things out. God intervened and saved Isaac, and Abraham learned his lesson that God had to come first. God then poured out greater blessings than ever before on Abraham for his obedience.
Is there anything in your life that is crowding God out to compete for your affection? A relationship? A job? A habit? A hobby? The internet? We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and we can’t do that if something else has captured our hearts.
What happens if we choose to let go of this rival for our hearts and seek God? The best blessing of all: God gives us more of Himself. Seeking God first never leaves us with less. It always draws us closer to God, and He fills our lives with more of Himself. So let go of whatever is competing with God for your affections, and you will discover a deeper, more satisfying Christian life.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
This is one of the most compelling events in scripture: God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Why would God ask Abraham to do that when human sacrifice is condemned throughout the Bible? God had a very good reason. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac, the child of promise, to be born. Now, 10 or 15 years later, Abraham begins to look at Isaac and say, “Here is my future. Everything depends on this boy.” God put Abraham through the toughest test in his life to teach him that his future didn’t depend on Isaac, but on the God who made the promise and gave him Isaac.
Over time, Abraham’s love for Isaac began to crowd out his love for God. Isaac became a rival for Abraham’s affection. God will not have any rivals. Abraham then had a choice: hold on to Isaac no matter what or be willing to let go and obey God by sacrificing his son. Abraham chose to obey God, even though he didn’t understand what God was doing. He chose to act in faith and trust God to work things out. God intervened and saved Isaac, and Abraham learned his lesson that God had to come first. God then poured out greater blessings than ever before on Abraham for his obedience.
Is there anything in your life that is crowding God out to compete for your affection? A relationship? A job? A habit? A hobby? The internet? We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and we can’t do that if something else has captured our hearts.
What happens if we choose to let go of this rival for our hearts and seek God? The best blessing of all: God gives us more of Himself. Seeking God first never leaves us with less. It always draws us closer to God, and He fills our lives with more of Himself. So let go of whatever is competing with God for your affections, and you will discover a deeper, more satisfying Christian life.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
MIRACLES AREN'T ENOUGH by Jeff Steele
“And behold the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region.” Matthew 9:34
Most people in our modern scientific age believe that if they could just see a true miracle, all the objections against belief in God would melt away, and multitudes would become Christians on the spot. The reality is quite different. Miracles in and of themselves are not a guarantee of faith in anyone, not in Jesus’ day and certainly not in our day.
When Jesus landed in the region of the Gadarenes, He was a confronted by two demon-possessed men, who had haunted this region for sometime. They wandered the hills and the graveyards naked, were extremely violent and terrorized the people who lived there. At times, people couldn’t walk the main road due to their threats.
When Jesus got out of the boat, these men immediately confronted Him. Jesus rebuked the legion of demons in the men and sent them into a herd of swine grazing nearby. The pigs rushed down the hill and off the cliff into the sea and drowned. When word reached the city about what happened, many came out to see Jesus. They found the two men, seated, clothed and in their right mind (Mark 5:15).
Our first thought is that surely revival followed with many people from Gadara trusting in Jesus. But it was just the opposite. Instead of embracing Jesus, the people of the area begged Him to leave. An actual miracle done in their midst did not compel them to believe. It merely hardened their hearts against Jesus and made them want Him gone from their town.
Miracles have never guaranteed faith (look at Moses and Pharaoh) and never will. What brings us to faith is the conviction of sin and the humbling of our hearts before the Lord. That is a work of the Holy Spirit. We need to ask Him to work in the hearts of unbelievers to help them see their sin and lostness. That’s what brings them to Christ. Miracles alone aren’t enough.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Most people in our modern scientific age believe that if they could just see a true miracle, all the objections against belief in God would melt away, and multitudes would become Christians on the spot. The reality is quite different. Miracles in and of themselves are not a guarantee of faith in anyone, not in Jesus’ day and certainly not in our day.
When Jesus landed in the region of the Gadarenes, He was a confronted by two demon-possessed men, who had haunted this region for sometime. They wandered the hills and the graveyards naked, were extremely violent and terrorized the people who lived there. At times, people couldn’t walk the main road due to their threats.
When Jesus got out of the boat, these men immediately confronted Him. Jesus rebuked the legion of demons in the men and sent them into a herd of swine grazing nearby. The pigs rushed down the hill and off the cliff into the sea and drowned. When word reached the city about what happened, many came out to see Jesus. They found the two men, seated, clothed and in their right mind (Mark 5:15).
Our first thought is that surely revival followed with many people from Gadara trusting in Jesus. But it was just the opposite. Instead of embracing Jesus, the people of the area begged Him to leave. An actual miracle done in their midst did not compel them to believe. It merely hardened their hearts against Jesus and made them want Him gone from their town.
Miracles have never guaranteed faith (look at Moses and Pharaoh) and never will. What brings us to faith is the conviction of sin and the humbling of our hearts before the Lord. That is a work of the Holy Spirit. We need to ask Him to work in the hearts of unbelievers to help them see their sin and lostness. That’s what brings them to Christ. Miracles alone aren’t enough.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, June 22, 2009
A SURPRISING FAITH by Jeff Steele
“And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom.’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:42-43
Our familiarity with the stories in scripture sometimes blinds us to the true depth of their meaning. Such is the case with the thief on the cross. The scripture says that after taunting Jesus in the morning, he had a change of heart as the day wore on. Something in the way Jesus faced death grabbed his heart. Later in the day, he rebuked his fellow thief and called out to Jesus for help. He asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came in His kingdom. Jesus assured him that that very day he would be with Him in Paradise.
What we often fail to recognize is the great irony of this exchange. Here is a man dying on a cross for crimes he committed, calling out to another man dying on a cross right next to him! Don’t you think it’s strange to call out to a dying man to save yourself from dying? Why would he ask Jesus to remember him in His kingdom when it didn’t look like Jesus could save Himself?
This is great faith birthed into the heart of the thief on the cross. Despite all the outward evidence before his eyes, he recognized that Jesus was no ordinary man. He understood that whatever happened that day, death would not be the last word on Jesus’ life. With little knowledge to go on, he managed to cry out in faith to the only one who could truly help him. And Jesus responded by promising him a place in Paradise with Him that very day.
Don’t let your familiarity with these events blind you to the great implications of what faith in Jesus can do, even in hopeless situations. The thief’s faith in Christ was rewarded with a place in heaven and the forgiveness of his sins. Asking a dying man to save you doesn’t make sense. But Jesus gave the man far more than he could have imagined. We now serve a living Jesus. Let’s be people of faith in our daily lives, trusting Jesus even when we can’t see how it will work out.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Our familiarity with the stories in scripture sometimes blinds us to the true depth of their meaning. Such is the case with the thief on the cross. The scripture says that after taunting Jesus in the morning, he had a change of heart as the day wore on. Something in the way Jesus faced death grabbed his heart. Later in the day, he rebuked his fellow thief and called out to Jesus for help. He asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came in His kingdom. Jesus assured him that that very day he would be with Him in Paradise.
What we often fail to recognize is the great irony of this exchange. Here is a man dying on a cross for crimes he committed, calling out to another man dying on a cross right next to him! Don’t you think it’s strange to call out to a dying man to save yourself from dying? Why would he ask Jesus to remember him in His kingdom when it didn’t look like Jesus could save Himself?
This is great faith birthed into the heart of the thief on the cross. Despite all the outward evidence before his eyes, he recognized that Jesus was no ordinary man. He understood that whatever happened that day, death would not be the last word on Jesus’ life. With little knowledge to go on, he managed to cry out in faith to the only one who could truly help him. And Jesus responded by promising him a place in Paradise with Him that very day.
Don’t let your familiarity with these events blind you to the great implications of what faith in Jesus can do, even in hopeless situations. The thief’s faith in Christ was rewarded with a place in heaven and the forgiveness of his sins. Asking a dying man to save you doesn’t make sense. But Jesus gave the man far more than he could have imagined. We now serve a living Jesus. Let’s be people of faith in our daily lives, trusting Jesus even when we can’t see how it will work out.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, June 15, 2009
INSTILL A DESIRE TO KNOW JESUS by Paul Luna
“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’” Luke 18:15-17.
While Jesus walked on Earth he encouraged parents to bring their children to him. He applauded the children for having a child-like faith. Jesus wants us to bring our children to him so that one day we will have the pleasure of leading our children into a relationship with Him. Are you aware that more than 50% of Christians choose to follow Jesus between ages 5 and 9? From the moment children are born, God wants their parents to instill a passion for Him to help them build strong, lasting friendships with Jesus. Here are some suggestions on how to do that:
Model a life committed to prayer and discovery for your children. Let your kids overhear your daily talks with God. Take time to speak about the ways God answers your prayers. Also, read to your children and let them see you reading the Bible. Model a love for Scripture by letting your kids see you read (and live) it regularly.
Emphasize that your child needs to make wise choices. Show your child that the Bible is relevant personally and will help him or her make the wise choice. Trust and follow Jesus. Apply a specific biblical message to a child’s situation. For example, if your child is afraid, explain that the Bible says God will never leave them.
Encourage your children to trust God -- no matter what. Teach your children to trust Jesus during tough times. Remind your children that He is their Father and Savior who loves and guides them.
Explain to your kids that Jesus wants them to treat others the way they want to be treated. Tell your children they should show God’s love to those around them, care enough to put others before them and be the right friend to those beside them.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
While Jesus walked on Earth he encouraged parents to bring their children to him. He applauded the children for having a child-like faith. Jesus wants us to bring our children to him so that one day we will have the pleasure of leading our children into a relationship with Him. Are you aware that more than 50% of Christians choose to follow Jesus between ages 5 and 9? From the moment children are born, God wants their parents to instill a passion for Him to help them build strong, lasting friendships with Jesus. Here are some suggestions on how to do that:
Model a life committed to prayer and discovery for your children. Let your kids overhear your daily talks with God. Take time to speak about the ways God answers your prayers. Also, read to your children and let them see you reading the Bible. Model a love for Scripture by letting your kids see you read (and live) it regularly.
Emphasize that your child needs to make wise choices. Show your child that the Bible is relevant personally and will help him or her make the wise choice. Trust and follow Jesus. Apply a specific biblical message to a child’s situation. For example, if your child is afraid, explain that the Bible says God will never leave them.
Encourage your children to trust God -- no matter what. Teach your children to trust Jesus during tough times. Remind your children that He is their Father and Savior who loves and guides them.
Explain to your kids that Jesus wants them to treat others the way they want to be treated. Tell your children they should show God’s love to those around them, care enough to put others before them and be the right friend to those beside them.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, June 1, 2009
THE BEST LESSONS IN LIFE by Paul Luna
Late Friday night I was watching a movie when my son, Mason, appeared at the top of the stairs crying. I picked him up, sat him on the couch and asked him what was wrong. He said he had a bad dream about a frog that jumped on his bed and ate him. Even worse, I wasn’t there to step on the frog and “pop” him. While you and I might find this humorous, I was reminded to let him know that while I can’t always be there for him, God is always there for him.
After I wiped away the tears, I told Mason that sometimes his daddy has bad dreams too, but I know God is watching over me and he loves me always. We talked about how God is more powerful than the scariest monsters in our dreams and has a huge army of super-strong angels. Mason pointed out to me that he cannot see the angels or God. I reassured him they are there. After all, we can’t see the air we blow out of our mouth, but we can feel it hit our hand. After I said that and added a few tickles to the tummy, Mason was free from worry as I tucked him back into bed.
As a parent, we need to look for opportunities to teach our children spiritual lessons. In fact, the Bible tells parents to, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up,” Deut 6:7. Some of the most important lessons your child learns will not be taught in a Sunday Small Group, but will be taught in the form of a discussion between you and child.
I encourage you to take the little and big events that happen in your and your child’s life and make them lessons. Use life’s circumstances to teach them about humility, honesty, integrity, friendship, courage and kindness. Sometimes the biggest lessons in life are taught in the small conversations we have with our kids.
Read more blogs at http:www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
After I wiped away the tears, I told Mason that sometimes his daddy has bad dreams too, but I know God is watching over me and he loves me always. We talked about how God is more powerful than the scariest monsters in our dreams and has a huge army of super-strong angels. Mason pointed out to me that he cannot see the angels or God. I reassured him they are there. After all, we can’t see the air we blow out of our mouth, but we can feel it hit our hand. After I said that and added a few tickles to the tummy, Mason was free from worry as I tucked him back into bed.
As a parent, we need to look for opportunities to teach our children spiritual lessons. In fact, the Bible tells parents to, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up,” Deut 6:7. Some of the most important lessons your child learns will not be taught in a Sunday Small Group, but will be taught in the form of a discussion between you and child.
I encourage you to take the little and big events that happen in your and your child’s life and make them lessons. Use life’s circumstances to teach them about humility, honesty, integrity, friendship, courage and kindness. Sometimes the biggest lessons in life are taught in the small conversations we have with our kids.
Read more blogs at http:www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
THE TREASURE OF THE GOSPEL
I am always amazed at the incredible variety of ways God works to bring people to Himself. Jesus illustrates this fact in two of His parables in Matthew 13:44-45, the Parable of the Treasure in the Field, and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price.
The Treasure in the Field
In this parable, a man who was not looking for treasure stumbled upon one accidentally. But when he realized what he found, he sold everything he had to buy the field and possess the treasure.
The Pearl of Great Price
Here, a man has been on a quest for one pearl of great value. After a long search, he finally found that one pearl for which he had been searching. He too sold all he had to buy and possess the pearl.
The Greatest Treasure of All
There are some important truths we can gain from these parables. First, people find God in different ways, some by surprise; some after a long search. In both cases God was working to bring them to Himself. And second, in both cases the treasure of the gospel was worth giving all they had to possess. Nothing we possess in this world matches the value of the gospel and knowing Christ as our Savior. Do you value the treasure of the gospel? Do you realize how great a treasure you possess and how God orchestrated events in your life to bring you to faith in Him? I pray that you will embrace Christ for the joy of possessing the treasure of surpassing value.
Read more of Jeff's blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
The Treasure in the Field
In this parable, a man who was not looking for treasure stumbled upon one accidentally. But when he realized what he found, he sold everything he had to buy the field and possess the treasure.
The Pearl of Great Price
Here, a man has been on a quest for one pearl of great value. After a long search, he finally found that one pearl for which he had been searching. He too sold all he had to buy and possess the pearl.
The Greatest Treasure of All
There are some important truths we can gain from these parables. First, people find God in different ways, some by surprise; some after a long search. In both cases God was working to bring them to Himself. And second, in both cases the treasure of the gospel was worth giving all they had to possess. Nothing we possess in this world matches the value of the gospel and knowing Christ as our Savior. Do you value the treasure of the gospel? Do you realize how great a treasure you possess and how God orchestrated events in your life to bring you to faith in Him? I pray that you will embrace Christ for the joy of possessing the treasure of surpassing value.
Read more of Jeff's blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, May 18, 2009
A DAY OF DESTINY – LUKE 19:41-44 by Jeff Steele
On this bright spring morning, Jesus reached the top of the Mount of Olives as He prepared to ride down into Jerusalem for His triumphal entry. But He stopped to take in the sight of the glorious temple and began to weep. While people cheered all around Him, Jesus knew that their adoration was shallow and fleeting. By Friday they would scream, “Crucify Him!”
Israel’s Day of Destiny
But notice why Jesus wept. He wept because this was Israel’s day of destiny, the day of their visitation when God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, entered His city and His temple. It should have been the greatest day in Israel’s history. But Israel was blind to their day and in the end the words of Jesus were fulfilled completely. Less than 40 years later, Jerusalem was surrounded by armies, laid siege to and destroyed. Judgment would come upon Israel for its failure to recognize its day of destiny.
Our Day of Destiny
All of us have a day of destiny as well, a day when God reveals Himself to us and calls us to turn from our self-centered lifestyle and follow Him. It may come in the midst of crisis; it may come at a time of great success. But that day of destiny will come. Don’t think, as Israel seemed to believe, that there will always be another day to answer God’s call. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “…for He says, ‘at the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘The day of salvation.’”
Decide to Follow Christ — Today
Don’t put off making a decision to follow Christ. Do it today, while it is still today. For one day, as Israel found out to its own destruction, it will be too late to follow Him and judgment will surely follow. Make today your day of destiny.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Israel’s Day of Destiny
But notice why Jesus wept. He wept because this was Israel’s day of destiny, the day of their visitation when God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, entered His city and His temple. It should have been the greatest day in Israel’s history. But Israel was blind to their day and in the end the words of Jesus were fulfilled completely. Less than 40 years later, Jerusalem was surrounded by armies, laid siege to and destroyed. Judgment would come upon Israel for its failure to recognize its day of destiny.
Our Day of Destiny
All of us have a day of destiny as well, a day when God reveals Himself to us and calls us to turn from our self-centered lifestyle and follow Him. It may come in the midst of crisis; it may come at a time of great success. But that day of destiny will come. Don’t think, as Israel seemed to believe, that there will always be another day to answer God’s call. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “…for He says, ‘at the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘The day of salvation.’”
Decide to Follow Christ — Today
Don’t put off making a decision to follow Christ. Do it today, while it is still today. For one day, as Israel found out to its own destruction, it will be too late to follow Him and judgment will surely follow. Make today your day of destiny.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Parable of the Widow and the Unrighteous Judge
Jesus told parables for a number of different reasons: to reveal truth, to hide truth and to illustrate a point. Sometimes we are informed exactly why Jesus told a particular parable. That is the case with the parable of the widow and the unrighteous judge. Luke writes that Jesus told this parable to show that we should keep praying at all times and not give up. Apparently Jesus was concerned about our willingness to persevere in prayer and not give up when answers don’t come immediately.
The point of the parable is rather straight forward: if an unrighteous judge who doesn’t fear God or respect men eventually gives in to a widow with no clout or resources — just so she will quit coming to him day after day, how much more will a loving Father answer the prayers of His children and bring justice for them swiftly. That doesn’t mean that God will necessarily answer quickly in every situation, but once He chooses to act, He will act swiftly.
Be Faithful to Keep Praying
From our perspective, we worry God won’t answer our prayers. But from Jesus perspective, He has an even bigger concern. Luke 18:8 says, “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
The real question that worried Jesus wasn’t God’s willingness to answer prayer, but His people’s willingness to keep praying. He worries that by the time He returns will there be anyone here who still has the faith to pray? Do you? How’s your faith? How’s your prayer life? Jesus not only commands us to pray, but also to keep praying, even when God seems slow to answer. Hang in there. Don’t give up. God is moving to answer even now. Do you have the faith to keep praying?
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Jesus told parables for a number of different reasons: to reveal truth, to hide truth and to illustrate a point. Sometimes we are informed exactly why Jesus told a particular parable. That is the case with the parable of the widow and the unrighteous judge. Luke writes that Jesus told this parable to show that we should keep praying at all times and not give up. Apparently Jesus was concerned about our willingness to persevere in prayer and not give up when answers don’t come immediately.
The point of the parable is rather straight forward: if an unrighteous judge who doesn’t fear God or respect men eventually gives in to a widow with no clout or resources — just so she will quit coming to him day after day, how much more will a loving Father answer the prayers of His children and bring justice for them swiftly. That doesn’t mean that God will necessarily answer quickly in every situation, but once He chooses to act, He will act swiftly.
Be Faithful to Keep Praying
From our perspective, we worry God won’t answer our prayers. But from Jesus perspective, He has an even bigger concern. Luke 18:8 says, “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
The real question that worried Jesus wasn’t God’s willingness to answer prayer, but His people’s willingness to keep praying. He worries that by the time He returns will there be anyone here who still has the faith to pray? Do you? How’s your faith? How’s your prayer life? Jesus not only commands us to pray, but also to keep praying, even when God seems slow to answer. Hang in there. Don’t give up. God is moving to answer even now. Do you have the faith to keep praying?
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Prayer is Preparation by PastorJeff Steele
Power from Prayer
After Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James and John, He came upon a scene where his disciples we’re trying to cast a demon out of a man’s son, and were unable to do it. When Jesus saw what was happening, He called for the boy to brought to Him and promptly cast out the demon. Later, when Jesus was inside a house alone with the disciples, they wanted to know why He could cast out the demon and they couldn’t. So Jesus gave the answer that this kind only can be driven out with prayer.
“When He came into the house, His disciples began to question Him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ And He said to them, ‘This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.’” Mark 9:28-29
Prepare For Each Day with Prayer
What struck me as I read this is that Jesus didn’t know what He would encounter when He came down the mountain. He expected to meet the rest of His disciples and continue his itinerant ministry. Instead, He encountered the helpless disciples. This story tells me is that Jesus made it a point everyday to pray, to spend time with His father to make sure He was prepared for whatever He might encounter. He didn’t wait until He confronted a problem, but instead knew He would need His Father’s strength for any problems He encountered. So when He met the young man with the demon, He was ready and drove it out.
We need to pray every day, recognizing that prayer is preparation. Don’t wait to hit a problem before you pray. Pray daily, asking God to give you grace for the challenges you will face. Prayer is preparation, so make it a first priority, not a last resort.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
After Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James and John, He came upon a scene where his disciples we’re trying to cast a demon out of a man’s son, and were unable to do it. When Jesus saw what was happening, He called for the boy to brought to Him and promptly cast out the demon. Later, when Jesus was inside a house alone with the disciples, they wanted to know why He could cast out the demon and they couldn’t. So Jesus gave the answer that this kind only can be driven out with prayer.
“When He came into the house, His disciples began to question Him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ And He said to them, ‘This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.’” Mark 9:28-29
Prepare For Each Day with Prayer
What struck me as I read this is that Jesus didn’t know what He would encounter when He came down the mountain. He expected to meet the rest of His disciples and continue his itinerant ministry. Instead, He encountered the helpless disciples. This story tells me is that Jesus made it a point everyday to pray, to spend time with His father to make sure He was prepared for whatever He might encounter. He didn’t wait until He confronted a problem, but instead knew He would need His Father’s strength for any problems He encountered. So when He met the young man with the demon, He was ready and drove it out.
We need to pray every day, recognizing that prayer is preparation. Don’t wait to hit a problem before you pray. Pray daily, asking God to give you grace for the challenges you will face. Prayer is preparation, so make it a first priority, not a last resort.
Read more blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Running to Church
“The Life and Time of Jesus the Messiah”
This year I have been reading a Christian classic in my devotions, “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah” by Alfred Edersheim. The book goes into great depth about the background of the New Testament gospels and the religious, cultural and social life of the day. As a Jewish Christian, Edersheim was also deeply familiar with the writings of the Jewish Rabbis around the time of Jesus. His knowledge and insight are amazing, especially when you realize that he did his writing in the late 1800’s, without any help from computers. In describing the synagogue service at the time of Jesus, Edersheim writes,
"The weekly Sabbath, the pledge between God and Israel had once more come. To meet it as a bride or queen, each house was adorned on Friday evening. The Sabbath lamp was lighted; the festive garments put on; the table provided with the best the family could afford; and the Qiddush, or benediction, was spoken over the cup of wine, which, as always was mixed with water. And as Sabbath morning broke, they hastened with quick steps to the Synagogue; for such was the Rabbinic rule for going, while it was prescribed to return with slow lingering steps."
How Is Your Attitude?
I read this, I was struck with just how different our attitude about gathering to worship God is. Rather than anticipate Sunday as a great day when the church, the bride of Christ, gathers to worship its savior and Lord, we come more out of duty or guilt. Instead of expecting to meet God, we look at our watches and mark time until the service is over. And instead of hurrying to church with excitement to be able to worship the God of heaven and a reluctance to leave the gathering of God’s people, we drag our feet, come in late and rush home as soon as church is over so we can watch the big game. How different their attitude about gathering for worship was than ours is!
Time for a Change of Heart
We need to remember the exhortation to us by the author of Hebrews, to not forsake our own assembling together, as some people were in the habit of doing, but to gather all the more as we see the day of Christ’s return drawing nearer (Hebrews 10:25). We need the help and encouragement of others now more than ever! So let’s change our hearts and begin to approach Sundays with an attitude of eagerness and anticipation, excited about gathering with God’s people and expecting God to meet us. Let’s be willing to linger with God’s people and see what God might do if we make ourselves available. Who knows? God might just show up in some surprising ways when we actually come expecting to meet Him here with His people. Think about it…
Read more of Jeff and Jim's blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
This year I have been reading a Christian classic in my devotions, “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah” by Alfred Edersheim. The book goes into great depth about the background of the New Testament gospels and the religious, cultural and social life of the day. As a Jewish Christian, Edersheim was also deeply familiar with the writings of the Jewish Rabbis around the time of Jesus. His knowledge and insight are amazing, especially when you realize that he did his writing in the late 1800’s, without any help from computers. In describing the synagogue service at the time of Jesus, Edersheim writes,
"The weekly Sabbath, the pledge between God and Israel had once more come. To meet it as a bride or queen, each house was adorned on Friday evening. The Sabbath lamp was lighted; the festive garments put on; the table provided with the best the family could afford; and the Qiddush, or benediction, was spoken over the cup of wine, which, as always was mixed with water. And as Sabbath morning broke, they hastened with quick steps to the Synagogue; for such was the Rabbinic rule for going, while it was prescribed to return with slow lingering steps."
How Is Your Attitude?
I read this, I was struck with just how different our attitude about gathering to worship God is. Rather than anticipate Sunday as a great day when the church, the bride of Christ, gathers to worship its savior and Lord, we come more out of duty or guilt. Instead of expecting to meet God, we look at our watches and mark time until the service is over. And instead of hurrying to church with excitement to be able to worship the God of heaven and a reluctance to leave the gathering of God’s people, we drag our feet, come in late and rush home as soon as church is over so we can watch the big game. How different their attitude about gathering for worship was than ours is!
Time for a Change of Heart
We need to remember the exhortation to us by the author of Hebrews, to not forsake our own assembling together, as some people were in the habit of doing, but to gather all the more as we see the day of Christ’s return drawing nearer (Hebrews 10:25). We need the help and encouragement of others now more than ever! So let’s change our hearts and begin to approach Sundays with an attitude of eagerness and anticipation, excited about gathering with God’s people and expecting God to meet us. Let’s be willing to linger with God’s people and see what God might do if we make ourselves available. Who knows? God might just show up in some surprising ways when we actually come expecting to meet Him here with His people. Think about it…
Read more of Jeff and Jim's blogs at http://HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, April 6, 2009
THE BEST OF TIMES AND WORST OF TIMES
It was without question the best of times and the worst of times for the followers of Jesus. For three years they listened as Jesus taught truth and refuted error. They watched as he performed miracles, and they observed his ability to love the discarded people of their culture. They were on top of the world! Although they were warned, they could not imagine what was going to happen in the hours ahead. Jesus would be betrayed by one off his “followers” and arrested and falsely accused by the religious “leaders” of the faith He established. He was then going to be tried, found guilty and put to death by a political system His followers hated. All of this would shatter false hopes, but it also would result in the resurrection of new and true hopes.
JESUS PAVED THE WAY FOR REAL HOPE
Jesus’ disciples didn’t know it at the moment, but what they thought was the worst time in their lives paved the way for the best of times. Because of the events of this day, God provided them a lifetime of continued fellowship and intimacy with Him. He connected them with a people to love and a purpose to fulfill. On top of that, He gave them a hope for living beyond the grave. Out of the hopelessness of these terrible three days, Jesus conquered death and the grave to give us a true and living hope!
HOW HAVE YOUR LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECTED YOUR HOPE?
We are living in some interesting times. For many of us, the things in which we hope and trust are being threatened. The economy has made our futures uncertain. The political and social climate is confusing, and much of what we believe in is being tested. These circumstances should make us ask the question, “Do the things we believe in offer us a true and living hope?”
DOES THE RESURRECTION REALLY OFFER HOPE?
Easter is God working in the hopelessness of our lives and circumstances to resurrect hope. In Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul reminded the Christians who were suffering for their faith of this certain future when he wrote, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” If Jesus just died, we have no hope. But if He not only died, but rose again, we can have hope!
IT’S FRIDAY BUT SUNDAY’S COMING
For many, the times in which we are now living seem to be the darkest of our lives. Hang on to hope by remembering that our greatest enemy, death, has been conquered so God can bring hope to our hopeless lives. See you this weekend as we remember Christ’s death on Friday evening and then celebrate His resurrection on Sunday. Remember, “It may be Friday, but Sunday is coming!”
Read more of Jim's blogs at http://www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
THE EVENT THAT SHOUTS HOPE!
In just a few short days we will celebrate another Easter! Without a doubt, this is the most important day of our year. On this day we celebrate the event that shouts HOPE to the world, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of the resurrection, regardless of your life circumstances, nothing is so dead that God cannot bring it back to life.
As you prepare for Easter this year, many of you are facing some extremely challenging circumstances in your life. Losing hope is really easy these days. Let me challenge you to think about the things in which you hope. Maybe God is challenging those things so that we will again remember that all true hope begins with the promises of God. While we may enjoy many of the people and things the world offers us, we will never get real and lasting hope through them.
This kind of hope is only found in the life, death, burial, resurrection and promised return of Christ. True hope is in a person and that person is Jesus and Jesus alone. So grab hold of these truths and have real hope for the days ahead. And remember, if the resurrection is true, nothing that matters to God is so dead that God cannot resurrect it to life.
Read Jim's blogs at http://www.heartofthecanyons.com
As you prepare for Easter this year, many of you are facing some extremely challenging circumstances in your life. Losing hope is really easy these days. Let me challenge you to think about the things in which you hope. Maybe God is challenging those things so that we will again remember that all true hope begins with the promises of God. While we may enjoy many of the people and things the world offers us, we will never get real and lasting hope through them.
This kind of hope is only found in the life, death, burial, resurrection and promised return of Christ. True hope is in a person and that person is Jesus and Jesus alone. So grab hold of these truths and have real hope for the days ahead. And remember, if the resurrection is true, nothing that matters to God is so dead that God cannot resurrect it to life.
Read Jim's blogs at http://www.heartofthecanyons.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
ABIDING IN CHRIST
Jesus makes it very clear that when we attach to the true vine (Jesus), He produces in us fruits that enrich our lives and change our world. We cannot, apart from Christ, find meaning and fulfillment in life.
It is great being in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” As you live in Christ, what is valuable will begin to surface as the old passes away and the new comes.
I know we confronted some hard issues in the past several weeks, and I hope each of us has asked some honest questions about our spiritual life and health. But this week I want you to take some time to just enjoy abiding in Christ. As you do, you will begin to find deep pleasure in times of worship. You will look forward to connecting with God’s people in fellowship. The Bible will be more than a book to read, it will be a tool that God uses to disciple your heart. You will want to participate in the ministry of the church, and you will see your world differently.
Learn to enjoy the life of Christ in you. You are amazing people. I thank God for the privilege of growing in my faith as you grow in yours and as we grow together. Don’t forget to pray about God’s will for the land.
It is great being in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” As you live in Christ, what is valuable will begin to surface as the old passes away and the new comes.
I know we confronted some hard issues in the past several weeks, and I hope each of us has asked some honest questions about our spiritual life and health. But this week I want you to take some time to just enjoy abiding in Christ. As you do, you will begin to find deep pleasure in times of worship. You will look forward to connecting with God’s people in fellowship. The Bible will be more than a book to read, it will be a tool that God uses to disciple your heart. You will want to participate in the ministry of the church, and you will see your world differently.
Learn to enjoy the life of Christ in you. You are amazing people. I thank God for the privilege of growing in my faith as you grow in yours and as we grow together. Don’t forget to pray about God’s will for the land.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Discovering the Secret of Spiritual Living
Deitrich Bonhoffer once said, “The call of Christ is first a call to die.” The reason we sometimes struggle to live the Christian life is because we have not learned how to die to our spiritual self-sufficiency and our self-centeredness. This last Sunday we considered the call of Christ to “deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me.”
This week, I hope you will take time to ask God to show you areas of your life where you are living independently of Him. Where are you allowing self-centeredness to affect your walk with Christ? According to Jesus’ words, this must be done daily.
Begin each day this week surrendering your will to God. Ask Him to help you die to yourself so you can effectively live for Him. It may be the toughest week you ever had, but you will experience God like never before.
Join me this week. Let’s learn together how we can die to self so we can live unto God!
Read Jim's blogs at http://www.heartofthecanyons.com
This week, I hope you will take time to ask God to show you areas of your life where you are living independently of Him. Where are you allowing self-centeredness to affect your walk with Christ? According to Jesus’ words, this must be done daily.
Begin each day this week surrendering your will to God. Ask Him to help you die to yourself so you can effectively live for Him. It may be the toughest week you ever had, but you will experience God like never before.
Join me this week. Let’s learn together how we can die to self so we can live unto God!
Read Jim's blogs at http://www.heartofthecanyons.com
Friday, February 27, 2009
CHEAP’S NOT ALWAYS CHEAP
The words of Jesus are very difficult but necessary for understanding the purpose for which Jesus came. They are essential for us to embrace if we are going to successfully fulfill the commitments that are being asked. They were essential because they…
· Challenge the misconceptions previously believed.
· Clarify the cost that has to be paid.
The words are, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Just as when Jesus originally said them, these words challenge the misconceptions of modern western Christianity. Unfortunately we too have begun to view our faith from a benefactor perspective. We tend to come to God for what we hope He can do for us, not realizing that what He can do for us begins with a commitment to follow, not take.
No doubt the eternal benefits of knowing Christ are unspeakable. But the costs of knowing Him for who He really is are more than most in our culture is willing to pay. My dad use to say, “Cheap’s not always cheap!” What has your faith cost you? If the cost is little, you will probably find that in the tough times, the benefit seems minimal.
This week, we will look at this amazing call of Jesus to “would be” followers. Take some time to read and think about Luke 9:21-27. Prepare your heart to be challenged. It might be difficult, but remember, “Cheap’s not always Cheap!”
Read more at http://www.heartofthecanonys.com
· Challenge the misconceptions previously believed.
· Clarify the cost that has to be paid.
The words are, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Just as when Jesus originally said them, these words challenge the misconceptions of modern western Christianity. Unfortunately we too have begun to view our faith from a benefactor perspective. We tend to come to God for what we hope He can do for us, not realizing that what He can do for us begins with a commitment to follow, not take.
No doubt the eternal benefits of knowing Christ are unspeakable. But the costs of knowing Him for who He really is are more than most in our culture is willing to pay. My dad use to say, “Cheap’s not always cheap!” What has your faith cost you? If the cost is little, you will probably find that in the tough times, the benefit seems minimal.
This week, we will look at this amazing call of Jesus to “would be” followers. Take some time to read and think about Luke 9:21-27. Prepare your heart to be challenged. It might be difficult, but remember, “Cheap’s not always Cheap!”
Read more at http://www.heartofthecanonys.com
DID JESUS ASK TOO MUCH?
With all Jesus said about love and honor did He contradict himself when He told His disciples that they must “hate” their fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, children, brothers and sisters, yes even their own lives if they wanted to be His disciples? Maybe our understanding of love and hate are different. Whichever the case, He must have offended many with the “high cost,” because the crowd disappeared.
LIFE’S HIGHEST CALLING AND VIRTUE
Without a doubt, Jesus made it clear that if you were going to follow Him, loving God had to be your highest calling and most important virtue in life. This week we will examine what Jesus said and why it was that so many chose to turn back. We will also consider why He used such extreme language, and what cost and benefits are a part of the lives of those who embrace this difficult task.
MAYBE EXTREME COMMITMENT EXPLAINS AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT
I, for one, think understanding this extreme commitment is critical for understanding the amazing progress that took place through a small band of believers in the early years of the church. Ironically, their lives were characterized by acts of kindness and love like no people in history. Maybe it is true that loving God most produces in us the ability to love people appropriately and unconditionally.
LET’S GET READY FOR SUNDAY
Join us this weekend as we consider this amazing text found in Luke 14. Take time to read it before you come and ask God to use it to help you evaluate the depth of your discipleship. See you Sunday as we gather as a family to celebrate God’s amazing gift to us in Christ!
Read more of Jim's Blogs at www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
LIFE’S HIGHEST CALLING AND VIRTUE
Without a doubt, Jesus made it clear that if you were going to follow Him, loving God had to be your highest calling and most important virtue in life. This week we will examine what Jesus said and why it was that so many chose to turn back. We will also consider why He used such extreme language, and what cost and benefits are a part of the lives of those who embrace this difficult task.
MAYBE EXTREME COMMITMENT EXPLAINS AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT
I, for one, think understanding this extreme commitment is critical for understanding the amazing progress that took place through a small band of believers in the early years of the church. Ironically, their lives were characterized by acts of kindness and love like no people in history. Maybe it is true that loving God most produces in us the ability to love people appropriately and unconditionally.
LET’S GET READY FOR SUNDAY
Join us this weekend as we consider this amazing text found in Luke 14. Take time to read it before you come and ask God to use it to help you evaluate the depth of your discipleship. See you Sunday as we gather as a family to celebrate God’s amazing gift to us in Christ!
Read more of Jim's Blogs at www.HeartoftheCanyons.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
IS THE CHURCH ACCOMPLISHING ITS PURPOSE?
A major fallacy is being taught in today’s church! Somewhere we forgot the great commission was not to go and make converts to Christianity but to make Disciples of Christ. By definition, a disciple is the follower of a particular teacher, leader or philosophy. In most cases all three of these are true because most people we allow to teach us, lead us to understand and believe their philosophy of life.
JESUS DEMANDED MORE THAN PHILISOPHICAL AGREEMENT
Jesus, no doubt was a teacher who taught, and a leader who lead, and He clearly communicated a unique philosophy. But unlike many, Jesus placed clear and difficult demands on those who chose to follow Him. John 6 clearly identifies the extreme commitments that Jesus demanded of His followers. Jesus required more than philosophical agreement. In fact, Jesus demanded His followers that they not just follow His teachings but that they follow Him. Following Christ is not just an invitation to an intellectual pursuit; it is a commitment to a deep relationship -- a relationship in which His followers are willing to know Him above all else, love Him above all else and be willing to forsake everything this world has to offer in order to follow Him. Does this describe your commitment to Jesus?
ESCAPING THE FRUSTRATION OF EASY “BELIEVE-ISM”
This is a far cry from the easy “believe-ism” of modern Christians who want the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice, but refuse to bring every aspect of their lives into alignment with His life and teaching. The ultimate goal of every church is to go and make disciples. Every individual who embraced that call has to spend the rest of his or her living days being transformed into the likeness of Christ.
EXTREME COMMITMENTS PRODUCE DEEP FULFILLMENT
I genuinely believe that many of today’s Christian’s feel incomplete in their faith. Because of this, they dismiss their faith and walk away in frustration. Maybe the answer is to understand and embrace the amazing demands that Jesus made and begin to genuinely follow Christ. Join us for the next several weeks as we consider the EXTREME IMAGES that Jesus used to describe true discipleship. This week take time to read John 6 in preparation for our time of teaching.
To Read more of Jim's Blog's, visit http://www.heartofthecanyons.com
JESUS DEMANDED MORE THAN PHILISOPHICAL AGREEMENT
Jesus, no doubt was a teacher who taught, and a leader who lead, and He clearly communicated a unique philosophy. But unlike many, Jesus placed clear and difficult demands on those who chose to follow Him. John 6 clearly identifies the extreme commitments that Jesus demanded of His followers. Jesus required more than philosophical agreement. In fact, Jesus demanded His followers that they not just follow His teachings but that they follow Him. Following Christ is not just an invitation to an intellectual pursuit; it is a commitment to a deep relationship -- a relationship in which His followers are willing to know Him above all else, love Him above all else and be willing to forsake everything this world has to offer in order to follow Him. Does this describe your commitment to Jesus?
ESCAPING THE FRUSTRATION OF EASY “BELIEVE-ISM”
This is a far cry from the easy “believe-ism” of modern Christians who want the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice, but refuse to bring every aspect of their lives into alignment with His life and teaching. The ultimate goal of every church is to go and make disciples. Every individual who embraced that call has to spend the rest of his or her living days being transformed into the likeness of Christ.
EXTREME COMMITMENTS PRODUCE DEEP FULFILLMENT
I genuinely believe that many of today’s Christian’s feel incomplete in their faith. Because of this, they dismiss their faith and walk away in frustration. Maybe the answer is to understand and embrace the amazing demands that Jesus made and begin to genuinely follow Christ. Join us for the next several weeks as we consider the EXTREME IMAGES that Jesus used to describe true discipleship. This week take time to read John 6 in preparation for our time of teaching.
To Read more of Jim's Blog's, visit http://www.heartofthecanyons.com
Monday, February 2, 2009
THIS IS A TIME OF CHANGE
We made a lot of changes in the past few weeks that we hope will re-engage enthusiasm in our hearts. Moving the worship band, changing the Sunday morning schedule and having a time of prayer and commitment during the services seems to have stirred our hearts a little. This weekend, I will introduce another change that I think will encourage you in your walk with God. I won’t tell you what it is, but when you attend this Sunday, anticipate a day of celebration, inspiration, preparation and hopefully transformation.
THE GOAL OF OUR SERVICES
Did you know that the last words in the previous paragraph describe my goal for you each week? Because life can beat us up, these four ingredients are essential in each of our lives. CELEBRATION reminds us of the great hope we have as believers in Jesus Christ. INSPIRATION gives us energy to face life’s challenges. PREPARATION allows us to know in our minds how to live a life of truth in a world of lies. Through CELEBRATION, we applaud God’s victory. Through INSPIRATION, we surrender to God and embrace one another. We are then energized to live out our faith through the week. And through PREPARATION, our minds are equipped with truths for living.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL
The ultimate goal of our gathering together is TRANSFORMATION. My prayer is that what we do each week results in transformed lives. Because if we are transformed, we are a part of all God is doing to transform the world around us. One of my greatest fears is that we could somehow gather each week, enjoy the music and the message, but never really change on the inside. That is why I use the word TRANSFORM not change, because TRANSFORMATION is a change of heart that results in a change of behavior.
CHANGES THAT REACH THE HEART
I am excited about the external changes we made since the first of the year. I am also excited about some of changes that are coming in the future. But as I shared two weeks ago, these changes produce little if any benefit, if they do not move beyond the garments and reach the heart. Joel challenged the Israelites to “rend their hearts and not their garments.” Together, let’s allow God to change us from the inside out.
So, show up early this week. Join us in a celebration that inspires our hearts, informs our minds and transforms our lives.
To Read more of Jim's Blog's, visit http://www.heartofthecanyons.com/
THE GOAL OF OUR SERVICES
Did you know that the last words in the previous paragraph describe my goal for you each week? Because life can beat us up, these four ingredients are essential in each of our lives. CELEBRATION reminds us of the great hope we have as believers in Jesus Christ. INSPIRATION gives us energy to face life’s challenges. PREPARATION allows us to know in our minds how to live a life of truth in a world of lies. Through CELEBRATION, we applaud God’s victory. Through INSPIRATION, we surrender to God and embrace one another. We are then energized to live out our faith through the week. And through PREPARATION, our minds are equipped with truths for living.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL
The ultimate goal of our gathering together is TRANSFORMATION. My prayer is that what we do each week results in transformed lives. Because if we are transformed, we are a part of all God is doing to transform the world around us. One of my greatest fears is that we could somehow gather each week, enjoy the music and the message, but never really change on the inside. That is why I use the word TRANSFORM not change, because TRANSFORMATION is a change of heart that results in a change of behavior.
CHANGES THAT REACH THE HEART
I am excited about the external changes we made since the first of the year. I am also excited about some of changes that are coming in the future. But as I shared two weeks ago, these changes produce little if any benefit, if they do not move beyond the garments and reach the heart. Joel challenged the Israelites to “rend their hearts and not their garments.” Together, let’s allow God to change us from the inside out.
So, show up early this week. Join us in a celebration that inspires our hearts, informs our minds and transforms our lives.
To Read more of Jim's Blog's, visit http://www.heartofthecanyons.com/
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