In his blog Truthful Conversations, my friend Mike Glenn observes: "Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything and a season for every purpose under heaven. Our lives, like the world around us, have seasons. Our seasons, however, don't necessarily line up with the seasons of nature, which means we have to pay close attention in our lives so we can discern what season it is for us.
"You don't have to be an economist to understand that right now, at least in the economy, it's winter. Winter is a time when plants die back and the soil replenishes itself in preparation for the growth of spring. Winter's work is deep and unseen, but vital to a healthy life.
"Winter is the time for reflection and discernment. Activities are weighed against our values, and our lives are reevaluated in terms of our long-term goals. Is what we are doing allowing us to become the person we want to be? Winter is the time when we rethink our priorities and then focus our lives to achieve these new priorities.
"Winter is also a time for letting go. The current economic crisis is causing a lot of anxiety in our country and in our own lives personally, but winter does some important work if we will let it.
"For instance, most of us are overcommitted. Now is a good time to resign from those commitments that no longer serve their original purposes. Make a phone call. Write a letter. Resign with regret, but resign. Create space and capacity in your life for God to do something new.
"Most of us are stretched financially. Cut back on those things that you don't have to do. Drop club memberships. Quit 'anything of the month' clubs you are in. Times are hard...haven't you heard? Drop what is no longer helpful or needed in your life; and yes, build up your savings.
"Most of all, remember the true treasures in life can't be bought with money. I know it sounds cliché, but it's true. Refocus your life on being with those people you love and doing the things you love to do. Don't be surprised if in getting back to the basics of life that you don't find yourself closer to God, as well.
"It's not always spring. We are not always growing. There are seasons in our life and each is important for its own reasons. Winter does some important work. Let it do its work. It won't always be winter. Spring will come, and when it does, you will have created the capacity and space for the new thing God is doing."
By Michael Duduit, Editor Preaching Now
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Revival - Sunday Night
Fresh Fruit - Galatians 5:22-23
1. The fresh fruit of LOVE is evident in a supreme love for God
a. Love the Lord above the list of things to do
b. Love the Lord above competing loyalties
c. Love the Lord above life's pursuits ans comforts
d. Love the Lord above longing for relationships
2. The fresh fruit of LOVE is evident by a sacrificial love for others
Philippians 2:1-4 Love is not selfish
Ephesians 4:30-32 How to love Agape
"Take out the trash and replace it with better attitudes and thoughts"
1. The fresh fruit of LOVE is evident in a supreme love for God
a. Love the Lord above the list of things to do
b. Love the Lord above competing loyalties
c. Love the Lord above life's pursuits ans comforts
d. Love the Lord above longing for relationships
2. The fresh fruit of LOVE is evident by a sacrificial love for others
Philippians 2:1-4 Love is not selfish
Ephesians 4:30-32 How to love Agape
"Take out the trash and replace it with better attitudes and thoughts"
Friday, August 26, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
5 Enemies of an Organization:
5 Enemies of an Organization:
1. Poor Communication
2. Gossip - telling a person who cannot deal with the issue is gossiping
3. Unresolved Disagreement
4. Lack of Shared Purpose-Share the vision often
5. Sanctioned Incompetence Demoralizes
In the book Returning to Holiness it describes how 2 or 3 people can disrupt the work of an entire church. Are you an enemy of the church?
1. Poor Communication
2. Gossip - telling a person who cannot deal with the issue is gossiping
3. Unresolved Disagreement
4. Lack of Shared Purpose-Share the vision often
5. Sanctioned Incompetence Demoralizes
In the book Returning to Holiness it describes how 2 or 3 people can disrupt the work of an entire church. Are you an enemy of the church?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Be Holy
I Peter 1:16
Be Holy for I am Holy
My life I gave for thee
I became the atoning sacrifice
As I hung upon that tree.
Some have trampled the Son of God*
And scorned His precious blood
Oh Holy Spirit, we need you
Please fill us with Your love!
Lord, make us willing, pierce our soul
Have tender mercy on us
May we not insult or enrage you
But in you, have confident trust.*
Be Holy for I am Holy, the spotless Lamb was slain
With outstretched arms and a heart full of love
My death is your eternal gain.
*Hebrews 10:29& 35
Be Holy for I am Holy
My life I gave for thee
I became the atoning sacrifice
As I hung upon that tree.
Some have trampled the Son of God*
And scorned His precious blood
Oh Holy Spirit, we need you
Please fill us with Your love!
Lord, make us willing, pierce our soul
Have tender mercy on us
May we not insult or enrage you
But in you, have confident trust.*
Be Holy for I am Holy, the spotless Lamb was slain
With outstretched arms and a heart full of love
My death is your eternal gain.
*Hebrews 10:29& 35
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Temptation
It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. 2 Samuel 11:2-4
Have you ever felt yourself pulled into a forbidden but exciting situation? You sense red flags but convince yourself you can handle it. “I’m just having a little fun. This won’t ever amount to anything. It just gives me a little something to look forward to.”
That’s the way a friend of mine felt when a nice guy at work started paying attention to her. Her marriage was hard and she was tired of trying so much. She found herself putting extra effort into getting dressed in the morning and being more than willing to work late.
She felt a spark in her heart every time he came near. Soon, they were talking in secret. Texting in secret. Meeting in secret. And down the slippery slope she went.
The slippery slope has one major tell tale sign—things are done in secret.
The minute we start hiding things from those who love us, doing things in a sneaky way, lying or telling half-truths, and figuring out ways to cover up evidence of our activities—we’re on the slippery slope. And we’re headed downhill fast.
Satan is the master of darkness. As long as he can keep us operating in our dark secrets, we are deceived. In the Message, Acts 26:17-18 we are reminded:
“‘I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’”
Oh sweet friend, we need to see the difference between dark and light and choose light. We need to bring our choices out into the light of Jesus so He can expose the truth. Only then can we truly discern the difference between being led by Jesus or deceived by Satan.
Things done in secret are an indication of being led by Satan. That’s a strong statement but one worth really considering.
Satan keeps dangers off our radar screen and blinds us to the harsh realities coming our way. My friend was blinded. And when she finally woke up to the deception, the devastation horrified her.
If you’re keeping secrets today, bring them out into the light:
• Find a trusted Christian friend and ask them to help you hold your choices up to the truth.
• Get honest with people who love you.
• Build accountability measures in your life.
• Ask Jesus for help, forgiveness, and a clear understanding of how to put on the brakes and throw things in reverse. Let His truth speak louder than the feelings that are begging you to keep things hidden. Like the end of verse 18 says, “begin real living by believing in me.”
The path to real living—the living that will sustain you and lead you to a true discovery of real love, real provision and real satisfaction—is found only by following Jesus.
______________________________________
In my lifetime, I have looked 2 married men in the eye and said, "I know where this is headed and I'm not going there with you." It doesn't matter who you are, what you look like, or how committed to Christ you are. The temptation to sin will always be there and sexual sin is one of the most devastating because it effects so many around you.
This Fall we will offer a Bible study called For Women Only. It discusses the difference between men and women and how we think and feel. It will give us insight into our men's lives and how to help them remain godly and righteous before the Lord.
Married, single, and everyone in between is encouraged to join us starting September 27 (evening) and 29 (morning) for this dynamic study on relationships. See the women's table in the foyer for more information. - Barbara
Have you ever felt yourself pulled into a forbidden but exciting situation? You sense red flags but convince yourself you can handle it. “I’m just having a little fun. This won’t ever amount to anything. It just gives me a little something to look forward to.”
That’s the way a friend of mine felt when a nice guy at work started paying attention to her. Her marriage was hard and she was tired of trying so much. She found herself putting extra effort into getting dressed in the morning and being more than willing to work late.
She felt a spark in her heart every time he came near. Soon, they were talking in secret. Texting in secret. Meeting in secret. And down the slippery slope she went.
The slippery slope has one major tell tale sign—things are done in secret.
The minute we start hiding things from those who love us, doing things in a sneaky way, lying or telling half-truths, and figuring out ways to cover up evidence of our activities—we’re on the slippery slope. And we’re headed downhill fast.
Satan is the master of darkness. As long as he can keep us operating in our dark secrets, we are deceived. In the Message, Acts 26:17-18 we are reminded:
“‘I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’”
Oh sweet friend, we need to see the difference between dark and light and choose light. We need to bring our choices out into the light of Jesus so He can expose the truth. Only then can we truly discern the difference between being led by Jesus or deceived by Satan.
Things done in secret are an indication of being led by Satan. That’s a strong statement but one worth really considering.
Satan keeps dangers off our radar screen and blinds us to the harsh realities coming our way. My friend was blinded. And when she finally woke up to the deception, the devastation horrified her.
If you’re keeping secrets today, bring them out into the light:
• Find a trusted Christian friend and ask them to help you hold your choices up to the truth.
• Get honest with people who love you.
• Build accountability measures in your life.
• Ask Jesus for help, forgiveness, and a clear understanding of how to put on the brakes and throw things in reverse. Let His truth speak louder than the feelings that are begging you to keep things hidden. Like the end of verse 18 says, “begin real living by believing in me.”
The path to real living—the living that will sustain you and lead you to a true discovery of real love, real provision and real satisfaction—is found only by following Jesus.
______________________________________
In my lifetime, I have looked 2 married men in the eye and said, "I know where this is headed and I'm not going there with you." It doesn't matter who you are, what you look like, or how committed to Christ you are. The temptation to sin will always be there and sexual sin is one of the most devastating because it effects so many around you.
This Fall we will offer a Bible study called For Women Only. It discusses the difference between men and women and how we think and feel. It will give us insight into our men's lives and how to help them remain godly and righteous before the Lord.
Married, single, and everyone in between is encouraged to join us starting September 27 (evening) and 29 (morning) for this dynamic study on relationships. See the women's table in the foyer for more information. - Barbara
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Beat Up or Built Up?
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NIV)
One morning I woke up feeling beat up by discouragement. My mind was being bullied by thoughts of doubt: I can’t do it all! I am not cut out to be a wife, a mom, a daughter, a speaker, a writer and all the other things God has called me to.
My thoughts were against me, and my feelings were too.
As I lay in bed feeling completely inadequate, my radio alarm came on. Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted by Twila Paris singing to me. With confident assurance, she spoke truth to my soul, telling me this was no time for fear, but a time for faith and determination. She challenged me not to lose my vision or be carried away by my emotions, but to hold on to all that I had hidden in my heart, and all I believed to be true. Then she reminded me of the most important truth of all: God is in control. [1]
As I heard these words, my thoughts aligned with God’s truth. It changed my whole perspective. I went from feeling afraid to feeling determined and from feeling out of control to knowing God is in control.
We have the choice either to let doubt beat us up or to let God’s truth build us up.
If we have Christ in us, we have full access to God’s power and His promises to live with a confident heart. But it won’t just happen because it’s possible. We have to take action.
When my alarm came on that morning, I was so glad I’d set my radio to that station the night before, so I would wake up hearing encouraging music and truth. Just like I tuned into that station, we need to get intentional about tuning our thoughts into God’s thoughts toward us, every day.
In the same way a radio has AM and FM frequencies, so do our thoughts. They are either AM (against me) or FM (for me) thoughts. The truth is, we are often our worst critics and have a lot of AM thoughts.
And if our thoughts are against us, our feelings will be too.
So, the next time you get those feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you are thinking that is making you feel that way. Then compare your thoughts about that situation to God’s thoughts, which are reflected in Scripture. Do they match? If not, find a promise in God’s Word to replace the lie that has filled your heart with doubt. Here are few to get your started:
• When doubt comes against me, saying I’m weak and all alone, I will focus on the truth that God is for me! I can be strong and courageous because the Lord my God is with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV)
• When doubt comes against me, saying I’m not good enough for a certain role or position, I will remember that God is for me! He says I am His masterpiece, created to be new in Christ so that I could do good things He planned long ago. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)
By: Renee Swope
One morning I woke up feeling beat up by discouragement. My mind was being bullied by thoughts of doubt: I can’t do it all! I am not cut out to be a wife, a mom, a daughter, a speaker, a writer and all the other things God has called me to.
My thoughts were against me, and my feelings were too.
As I lay in bed feeling completely inadequate, my radio alarm came on. Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted by Twila Paris singing to me. With confident assurance, she spoke truth to my soul, telling me this was no time for fear, but a time for faith and determination. She challenged me not to lose my vision or be carried away by my emotions, but to hold on to all that I had hidden in my heart, and all I believed to be true. Then she reminded me of the most important truth of all: God is in control. [1]
As I heard these words, my thoughts aligned with God’s truth. It changed my whole perspective. I went from feeling afraid to feeling determined and from feeling out of control to knowing God is in control.
We have the choice either to let doubt beat us up or to let God’s truth build us up.
If we have Christ in us, we have full access to God’s power and His promises to live with a confident heart. But it won’t just happen because it’s possible. We have to take action.
When my alarm came on that morning, I was so glad I’d set my radio to that station the night before, so I would wake up hearing encouraging music and truth. Just like I tuned into that station, we need to get intentional about tuning our thoughts into God’s thoughts toward us, every day.
In the same way a radio has AM and FM frequencies, so do our thoughts. They are either AM (against me) or FM (for me) thoughts. The truth is, we are often our worst critics and have a lot of AM thoughts.
And if our thoughts are against us, our feelings will be too.
So, the next time you get those feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you are thinking that is making you feel that way. Then compare your thoughts about that situation to God’s thoughts, which are reflected in Scripture. Do they match? If not, find a promise in God’s Word to replace the lie that has filled your heart with doubt. Here are few to get your started:
• When doubt comes against me, saying I’m weak and all alone, I will focus on the truth that God is for me! I can be strong and courageous because the Lord my God is with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV)
• When doubt comes against me, saying I’m not good enough for a certain role or position, I will remember that God is for me! He says I am His masterpiece, created to be new in Christ so that I could do good things He planned long ago. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)
By: Renee Swope
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Ministry Killers
In his book 5 Ministry Killers, Charles Stone tells the story of a pastor named Jonathan, who spent 23 years as a pastor in New England. He "faced everything from power struggles to salary controversies to questions about his leadership. Once, he confronted some boys in the church after they had taunted several young girls with suggestive comments. His handling of the situation outraged the boys' parents and fueled their resistance toward him.
"Another issue swirled around his visitation policy. He knew his greatest primary gifts were preaching and teaching rather than traditional pastoral ones. So in contrast to what was considered customary, he chose to make a visit only when an emergency arose. However, many members began to fault him for 'not loving the people,' which further increased church dissatisfaction...
"One final matter became the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. The previous pastor had loosely allowed unbelievers to become members, and Jonathan later became aware that several of those members had flagrantly sinned. In their small community, these sins had become quite public, and because he believed that only believers who evidenced a changed life should join the church, he began to change the policy.
"A firestorm erupted, and Jonathan knew that were he to stand firm on his convictions, he could lose his pastorate. However, he stood his ground, and the inevitable occurred. They fired him; and at age 46, he found himself unemployed. The rejection became so intense that the agricultural town forbad him to use common grazing land for his farm animals...
"Ten years later, because Jonathan had so graciously responded to his critics and his dismissal, one of his main detractors admitted that pride, self-sufficiency, ambition and vanity had caused the contention. The pastor's handling of his ministry crisis left such an impression that eventually the church publicly repented of their actions, exactly 150 years after they sent him packing."
In case you haven't figured it out yet, that pastor who was so maligned and misused was Jonathan Edwards, one of the pivotal figures in the First Great Awakening, and likely America's greatest theologian. Preaching under pressure is not new, and it is not unique to you and your church. So hang in there, trust the Lord you preach, and stay faithful to the call He placed on your life.
Michael Duduit, Editor
Peaching Now
"Another issue swirled around his visitation policy. He knew his greatest primary gifts were preaching and teaching rather than traditional pastoral ones. So in contrast to what was considered customary, he chose to make a visit only when an emergency arose. However, many members began to fault him for 'not loving the people,' which further increased church dissatisfaction...
"One final matter became the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. The previous pastor had loosely allowed unbelievers to become members, and Jonathan later became aware that several of those members had flagrantly sinned. In their small community, these sins had become quite public, and because he believed that only believers who evidenced a changed life should join the church, he began to change the policy.
"A firestorm erupted, and Jonathan knew that were he to stand firm on his convictions, he could lose his pastorate. However, he stood his ground, and the inevitable occurred. They fired him; and at age 46, he found himself unemployed. The rejection became so intense that the agricultural town forbad him to use common grazing land for his farm animals...
"Ten years later, because Jonathan had so graciously responded to his critics and his dismissal, one of his main detractors admitted that pride, self-sufficiency, ambition and vanity had caused the contention. The pastor's handling of his ministry crisis left such an impression that eventually the church publicly repented of their actions, exactly 150 years after they sent him packing."
In case you haven't figured it out yet, that pastor who was so maligned and misused was Jonathan Edwards, one of the pivotal figures in the First Great Awakening, and likely America's greatest theologian. Preaching under pressure is not new, and it is not unique to you and your church. So hang in there, trust the Lord you preach, and stay faithful to the call He placed on your life.
Michael Duduit, Editor
Peaching Now
Mercy Me Concert & Ranger Game
Hillcrest is Going to the Ballpark!
Mercy Me Concert & Ranger Game
Saturday, Aug. 27
Gates open at 4:30
Concert begins at 5:00pm
Game time: 7:05pm
Mercy Me Concert & Ranger Game
Saturday, Aug. 27
Gates open at 4:30
Concert begins at 5:00pm
Game time: 7:05pm
Tickets $12 pay by Aug. 14
Texas Rangers vs. Anaheim
Texas Rangers vs. Anaheim
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August Calendar
August 6 - Women in Ministry Brunch hosted by Methodist Charlton Hospital 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. There is no charge but you must RSVP to Barbara Parker ASAP
August 7 - Craft Night Planning Team meeting at 5:00 PM in room B-127
August 8 - Cafe Connection 6:30 -8:30 PM in the Student Building Cafe! Grab your girlfriends and join us! (FREE!)
August 11 - Long Range Planning Meeting - WM Leadership Team 6:30 - 9:30 PM Room B-128
August 12 - CRAFT NIGHT!! 7:00 PM to Midnight in Student Building. Cost $10.00
August 14 - Small Groups Leaders Meeting - 5:00 -6:00 PM in Room B-127
August 21 - WM Leadership Monthly Meeting 5:00 -6:00 PM in Room B-127
August 28 - Retreat Planning Meeting - All interested women invited! 5:00 PM Room B-128
Small Groups Every Tuesday
First Place 4 Health - 7:00 PM Room E-130 Contact Kelly Pate k.pate@sbcglobal.net
Returning to Holiness - 7:00 PM Room E-132 Contact Barbara Parker bjparker@aol.com
Jonah: A Life Interrupted - 7:00 PM Room E-133 Contact Pam Gray plgtx@att.net
Small Group Every Thursday
Women's Mentoring 101 - 7:00 PM Room B-127 Contact Marty Hale martylhale@aol.com,
Coming Events
September 27 -For Women Only Bible study begins! Sign up at women's table in foyer
October 15 - Connecting with Purpose Retreat - featured speakers Dr. Sue Edwards and Dr. Joye Baker. Student Building. Cost $20.00 includes lunch.
August 7 - Craft Night Planning Team meeting at 5:00 PM in room B-127
August 8 - Cafe Connection 6:30 -8:30 PM in the Student Building Cafe! Grab your girlfriends and join us! (FREE!)
August 11 - Long Range Planning Meeting - WM Leadership Team 6:30 - 9:30 PM Room B-128
August 12 - CRAFT NIGHT!! 7:00 PM to Midnight in Student Building. Cost $10.00
August 14 - Small Groups Leaders Meeting - 5:00 -6:00 PM in Room B-127
August 21 - WM Leadership Monthly Meeting 5:00 -6:00 PM in Room B-127
August 28 - Retreat Planning Meeting - All interested women invited! 5:00 PM Room B-128
Small Groups Every Tuesday
First Place 4 Health - 7:00 PM Room E-130 Contact Kelly Pate k.pate@sbcglobal.net
Returning to Holiness - 7:00 PM Room E-132 Contact Barbara Parker bjparker@aol.com
Jonah: A Life Interrupted - 7:00 PM Room E-133 Contact Pam Gray plgtx@att.net
Small Group Every Thursday
Women's Mentoring 101 - 7:00 PM Room B-127 Contact Marty Hale martylhale@aol.com,
Coming Events
September 27 -For Women Only Bible study begins! Sign up at women's table in foyer
October 15 - Connecting with Purpose Retreat - featured speakers Dr. Sue Edwards and Dr. Joye Baker. Student Building. Cost $20.00 includes lunch.
Service Opportunity
We are needing women that would like to help with our retreat on October 15th!
Our speakers this year are Dr.'s Sue Edwards and Joye Baker. Both women are on faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary and teach in the area of women's studies. We will be meeting in the Hillcrest student building and will be providing lunch in the MPR.
We will need greeters, small group leaders, and women to take care of the breaks and lunch. There are other areas of service opportunity as well. We are in immediate need of women that will begin to pray for this retreat and the women that will attend. If you would like to help or want more information please email Barbara Parker at bjparker@aol.com or call 214-235-6827!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Columbine
Two years ago a lone Columbine stood by itself. At the end of spring, it literally burst into nothing, sending forth a lot of seeds. It took the next spring to see how many new seedlings had propagated and this past spring my front yard underneath the pecan trees were blooming with this beautiful, delicate flower.
As I looked at it, I was reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew,
“Unless a kernel or grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone: but if it dies ,it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life will find it”.
My lone Columbine is now surrounded by many others because it died! I pray that, as you and I seek the Lord and hear his voice, we will humbly submit to whatever He is calling us to die to and then look forward to an abundant “bumper crop” of joy, peace and contentment and whatever gifts the Lord wants to bestow upon us !!
~Gail Harlin~
Ramadan
As Ramadan begins, pray for approx. 1.5 billion Muslims around the world to know a seeking Father's love.
Promotional Trailer 1 from Loving Muslims on Vimeo.
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