Posted on March 31st, 2011 by TNichols
In King David’s darkest and chaotic moments of his life he pinned these words, Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10). You see God spoke the world into existence, and God spoke you into your mother’s womb. Even now, God wants to speak into the chaos and confusion of your life to bring it shape and form.
This is what I call a Genesis event. It’s when God speaks into the void and the darkness of your life, creating for you a new beginning and a fresh start. Did you know God can create something from nothing; He can take a heart that is broken, impure, or failed and create a heart that is whole, pure, and purposeful. God created you to soar, so He takes an active role in creating your new heart, and bringing order to the chaos of your life. We have one responsibility in tough times; surrender to His sovereignty, humble ourselves before Him, and ask for His help.
Let God speak a Genesis moment into your heart and into the circumstances of your life. Let me encourage you never forget, “everything that you have–right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—all of it comes from God by way of Jesus Christ”. Our genesis experience is a result of allowing God to renew in each of us a firm and focused spirit no longer chaotic or moved by events, circumstances, or feelings. When God speaks even in our chaos we experience a new energy, new enthusiasms, and fresh passions. With that in mind let’s live His life out loud…
author: Pastor Joe Saragusa, The Crossing Church
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Posted on March 28th, 2011 by TNichols
In our sermon series in the last few weeks at church, my Pastor has been referring often to Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” I have thought about the part that says, “accomplish more than we might ask or think”. But I now see the part that says, “through his mighty power at work within us”. Within us… Within us!!!
Of course I have known that, God, is able to work within us. This isn’t the first time I have heard this message or viewed this scripture. Maybe not even the 20th time I have heard it. But isn’t it amazing how God can suddenly take something that we know and spark it into something new? That verse says that God is able to work mightily more than we might ask or think through us! Not just some unknown character, He means you and me! We are God’s mighty plan for shining His light into this world. We are God’s mighty plan for making a difference in our homes, neighborhoods, churches, cities, counties, states, countries, and this world. I would love to hear about how God is working through you. We all have a story and by sharing that story, we encourage others. Post your thoughts on our Facebook page, Twitter, or email us: admin@meettheneed.org .
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Posted on March 18th, 2011 by TNichols
7. Have breakfast in bed – together – serve one another.
6. Go on a picnic in the park – pick up litter that you see.
5. Walk through your neighborhood - return trash cans, newspapers, etc. – talk to your neighbors.
4. Organize your garage – donate unneeded items to a family or ministry through meettheneed.org
3. Clean out your pantry/cabinets – donate food and toiletries to a family or ministry in need - go to meettheneed.org
2. Sort through your closets – donate outgrown clothes to a family or ministry in need – go to meettheneed.org
1. Sign up as a family to serve others – together – visit meettheneed.org to search community volunteer needs
Through it all, praise God for the blessings you have and pray for those who are less fortunate.
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Posted on March 15th, 2011 by TNichols
Do you need encouragement today? Is something weighing you down? Know that God’s love is surrounding you no matter what your circumstance. He is faithful and just. He is the ultimate healer and everything is perfect in His time. My friend, Laurie, has some great words that she shared with me. My hope is that this blesses you where you are and that you would keep moving forward. God is with you!
“Everything you are going through, all you are dealing with, has one ultimate purpose: that you may know and love of God and live in the light of His extravagant and more-than-equate grace. You were born for an intimate relationship with God. That is the purpose of your existence. And when you discover that, you’ll experience an abiding contentment.”
Philippians 3:8. “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
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Posted on March 9th, 2011 by TNichols
Reading a great book “Radical” by David Platt. It is about how we as Americans have “manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences”. I pondered the following from the book . . .
Do you believe the purpose of your life is deeper than having a nice job, raising a decent family, living a comfortable life, and attending church (as extra credit). We are created for more than a Christian spin on the American Dream. God blesses us for His glory. Not so we will have a comfortable life with a big house and a nice car. Not so we can spend lots of money on vacations, education, or clothing. Those aren’t bad things, but He has blessed us so that all nations will know Him and see His glory.
God blesses His people with extravagant grace so they might extend His extravagant glory to all peoples on earth.
How are we using the blessings and grace we have received to glorify God? Do you think there can come a point where if we are not glorifying Him, the blessings and grace will not flow?
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Posted on March 7th, 2011 by TNichols
“I worked in the kitchen again on Friday and it was very fun! Just working with the others and meeting some more teenagers my age while I was working made it even more enjoyable!” – Nani, Metropolitan Ministries
There are many examples of God using young people to do make a difference. Joshua was Moses’ assistant from a very young age (Numbers 11:28). The scouts who went to Jericho were young men (Joshua 6:23). Jeremiah was called to be a prophet when he was a child(Jeremiah 1:5-7). David was a boy when he fought Goliath (1 Samuel 17:33). And let’s not forget about Esther!
In the New Testament, Paul’s nephew who warned him about a plot on his life (Acts 23:16-22) and there was the boy with bread and fish that Jesus used to feed the five thousand (John 6:9).
We love to hear about how young people are a part of serving those in need and sharing God’s love. Keep up the good work!
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Posted on March 1st, 2011 by TNichols
Reach Out – I met a lady today at Metropolitan Ministries who volunteers 48 hours a week! Her name is Ms. Mary. The hours she spends sorting clothes, stocking shelves, cleaning floors, etc. can be measured. But her spirit of dedication and compassion for those in need can’t be measured in hours. It is her interaction (a smile, a hug, an encouraging word) with those that are hurting that means the most. She serves the Lord with all she has and demonstrates her love for Him through service to others.
Reach Up – This reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha in Hebrews 10:38–41
Reach In – Are you a Martha running around doing tasks to please the Lord? Or are you a Mary who takes the time to sit at Jesus feet and spend time with Him? We all are a little of both. How can we be more like Mary in this hectic world?
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