For what is your life?
In his fourth chapter verse 14 James asks us " for what is your life"? In the context that James( the brother of Jesus) asks this is- WHOSE will is being done? So often our lives are I,I,I with a few Me.me.me for good measure.
We act as if we actually were in control yet we well know that our very lives exist only at God`s mercy. We really have no true knowledge of what will happen tomorrow much less months and years from now. We are so fragile and our lives can vanish like a puff of smoke. This is not a concern if we can constantly acknowledge this aspect of God`s creation and follow the adage 'THY will be done" for if we seek and follow God`s wishes then it truly doesn`t matter what happens for we are protected and our decisions guided towards wisdom.
The end of the Beginning
The first phase of Higher Grounds is coming to a close. Our beloved leader Gary Stembal has been called to use his talents elsewhere and God has led many others from the Higher Grounds flock to follow Christ`s leadings in other directions. Next week will be our last week of worship for now.
Higher Grounds has been an interesting experience. Formed to reach many who would not be attracted to "regular" church worship it has indeed drawn many who liked our casual friendly atmosphere. Also attracted where many who still enjoy regular church but needed fed in a different format to supplement the Word of Christ that they were receiving elsewhere.
As James said we do not know the future. That is God`s Provence. Perhaps Higher Grounds will reformat and come back under new tutelage( still of Christs teachings). Again, this is up to God. We are under edict to follow Christ where ever He leads.
I wish to thank each and every person who has made Higher Grounds a place for me personally to grow in understanding of Jesus Christ. I hope to take lessons learned onward to His glory.
Thank Y`all so much for allowing me to share this humble BLOG.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
05/04/2008
The Church of the Crossroads
This week Jamie and I attended the Church of the Crossroads on South Broad Street here in Grove City. We were very blessed.
Several seniors graduating from my Alma Mater Grove City College were recognized and each gave a little talk. It was wonderful to hear such grounded Christian students!! Since the college is so close I think we forget how many truly amazing people leave there and go on to many Christian callings.
Pastor Don Hulsey spoke.His text was Matthew chapter 5 which is, of course, the Sermon on the Mount. He covered verses 7 thru 11. These verses contribute to what I call the 'blesseds"
Blessed are the
Merciful
Pure of Heart
Workers for Peace
Persecuted.
The entire list is called the Beatitudes and in some ways are really tough standards. Anyone who can live to these standards indeed has earned blessing.
Our Lord Jesus led Pastor Hulsey to describe a flow to these beatitudes that I have not heard before. Each is a base for the next. The poor( those that have nothing to give) cause them to mourn and become meek. They will then hunger and thirst for righteousness and will be shown mercy. This will make them pure in heart and they will become peacemakers. For this they will be persecuted. An interesting perspective and Christ inspired for sure. As Don says-"tough stuff" but he sums it up saying
get it
live it
hand it down.
A fine message.
Tonite we meet at our monthly gathering. Much will be determined as to the future of Higher Grounds.
Y`all have a great week and enjoy God`s Blessings!!
This week Jamie and I attended the Church of the Crossroads on South Broad Street here in Grove City. We were very blessed.
Several seniors graduating from my Alma Mater Grove City College were recognized and each gave a little talk. It was wonderful to hear such grounded Christian students!! Since the college is so close I think we forget how many truly amazing people leave there and go on to many Christian callings.
Pastor Don Hulsey spoke.His text was Matthew chapter 5 which is, of course, the Sermon on the Mount. He covered verses 7 thru 11. These verses contribute to what I call the 'blesseds"
Blessed are the
Merciful
Pure of Heart
Workers for Peace
Persecuted.
The entire list is called the Beatitudes and in some ways are really tough standards. Anyone who can live to these standards indeed has earned blessing.
Our Lord Jesus led Pastor Hulsey to describe a flow to these beatitudes that I have not heard before. Each is a base for the next. The poor( those that have nothing to give) cause them to mourn and become meek. They will then hunger and thirst for righteousness and will be shown mercy. This will make them pure in heart and they will become peacemakers. For this they will be persecuted. An interesting perspective and Christ inspired for sure. As Don says-"tough stuff" but he sums it up saying
get it
live it
hand it down.
A fine message.
Tonite we meet at our monthly gathering. Much will be determined as to the future of Higher Grounds.
Y`all have a great week and enjoy God`s Blessings!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
04/27/2008
Where are you?
Genesis 3:9-" But the Lord God called to the man "Where are you?"
God is seeking out man? The power of the universe? The creator of all? The essence of all existence? Yet this Deity, our God, will seek us out!! He will individually call to every person from the strong to the weak-each and everyone! He will ask" where are you? Where are you in your relationship with Me the God of all?" This means He will call to me and you. An incredible reality!!
He ,of course, knows the answer to His question. What He wants is for US to be cognitive of the exact nature and depth of that relationship. To ponder, to acknowledge and then if we see our short comings- to confess. God has given us access through our Lord Jesus. We must seek out this access through prayer and the Bible. Through these mediums the Holy Spirit will imbue us with proper understanding of Jesus and thus proper understanding of God. Then when God asks "Where are you___?" we will be able to answer " in the Light of Jesus-Father."
How much will we then be blessed? If all the water in Niagara Falls were Gods blessings then it would all be to water one flower-you.
Many changes ahead for Higher Grounds. We have changed the time to a 9:45 start( Gary begins speaking at that time). We are in discussion about the future of Higher Grounds and all imput about your desires is needed and appreciated!!
Y`all have a great week as spring brings us so many of God`s blessings.
Genesis 3:9-" But the Lord God called to the man "Where are you?"
God is seeking out man? The power of the universe? The creator of all? The essence of all existence? Yet this Deity, our God, will seek us out!! He will individually call to every person from the strong to the weak-each and everyone! He will ask" where are you? Where are you in your relationship with Me the God of all?" This means He will call to me and you. An incredible reality!!
He ,of course, knows the answer to His question. What He wants is for US to be cognitive of the exact nature and depth of that relationship. To ponder, to acknowledge and then if we see our short comings- to confess. God has given us access through our Lord Jesus. We must seek out this access through prayer and the Bible. Through these mediums the Holy Spirit will imbue us with proper understanding of Jesus and thus proper understanding of God. Then when God asks "Where are you___?" we will be able to answer " in the Light of Jesus-Father."
How much will we then be blessed? If all the water in Niagara Falls were Gods blessings then it would all be to water one flower-you.
Many changes ahead for Higher Grounds. We have changed the time to a 9:45 start( Gary begins speaking at that time). We are in discussion about the future of Higher Grounds and all imput about your desires is needed and appreciated!!
Y`all have a great week as spring brings us so many of God`s blessings.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
O4/20/2008
A missing brick
Gary was led this week to speak from Zechariah 4:10. "Who despises the day of small things?" We often over look the myriad small things that can be done in the name of Jesus. Each small Christian act contributes to the larger picture that is Christianity. Taking the time to speak kindly to a stranger or acquaintance in a Wal-Mart might seem inconsequential but what if that is the event that turns the persons day around? What if this sets off a serious of changes in that persons attitudes that changes her entire life? Not so inconsequential, in fact massive.
Too often we seek to be used in large ways for Christ only to overlook the real building blocks that make up our faith. These "bricks" of small deeds and kindness` are how great temples are built. I was thinking of Joe the brick layer.
At the time of Zechariah the Israelites were building a small temple to God. Many scoffed at their efforts. Joe was one of the bricklayers of the temple and succumbed to these taunts and occasionally would leave out a brick in unseen places. "Whats the dif?" he thought "a brick here or there ain`t a gonna be that important." You know what happened as the missing bricks allowed water in and eventually created weak points in the walls of the temple. Without repairs the damage could become disastrous.
Thus it is with Christs Temple on earth. If we do not do the small daily nice things then the entirety of the temple itself is compromised. A day of small things is a day upon which the Temple of Christ is built!!
An aside that I thought was interesting from Gary`s talk. He interjected his name into the sermons verse. "Gary do you despise the day of small things?" I tried it out " for God so loved Tony that He gave His only begotten Son". "Tony, do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Pick your favorite verse and if applicable apply your own name into the verse. Sure seems to make a difference !!! Cool stuff.
Y`all have a great week. Each and every kindness that you do is a building block of Christ`s glorious Temple on earth. A kabillion small tributes to God add up!!
Gary was led this week to speak from Zechariah 4:10. "Who despises the day of small things?" We often over look the myriad small things that can be done in the name of Jesus. Each small Christian act contributes to the larger picture that is Christianity. Taking the time to speak kindly to a stranger or acquaintance in a Wal-Mart might seem inconsequential but what if that is the event that turns the persons day around? What if this sets off a serious of changes in that persons attitudes that changes her entire life? Not so inconsequential, in fact massive.
Too often we seek to be used in large ways for Christ only to overlook the real building blocks that make up our faith. These "bricks" of small deeds and kindness` are how great temples are built. I was thinking of Joe the brick layer.
At the time of Zechariah the Israelites were building a small temple to God. Many scoffed at their efforts. Joe was one of the bricklayers of the temple and succumbed to these taunts and occasionally would leave out a brick in unseen places. "Whats the dif?" he thought "a brick here or there ain`t a gonna be that important." You know what happened as the missing bricks allowed water in and eventually created weak points in the walls of the temple. Without repairs the damage could become disastrous.
Thus it is with Christs Temple on earth. If we do not do the small daily nice things then the entirety of the temple itself is compromised. A day of small things is a day upon which the Temple of Christ is built!!
An aside that I thought was interesting from Gary`s talk. He interjected his name into the sermons verse. "Gary do you despise the day of small things?" I tried it out " for God so loved Tony that He gave His only begotten Son". "Tony, do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Pick your favorite verse and if applicable apply your own name into the verse. Sure seems to make a difference !!! Cool stuff.
Y`all have a great week. Each and every kindness that you do is a building block of Christ`s glorious Temple on earth. A kabillion small tributes to God add up!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
4/13/2008
And in this corner..
This week Gary spoke from Mark chapter 9 emphasising verse 24"Lord. I believe, but help me with my unbelief." Gary used a boxing analogy in that often we are in the boxing ring of life. We might have many foes at different times but one of the toughest is the foe of doubt. As doubt stands across the ring and glares at us with that Mike Tyson( a nasty boxer) look we realize that he is a difficult foe. It is not so much that he can defeat us in this particular fight but that he can beat us up so bad that we are weak in all other fights!!
Lest we underestimate the dangers of this foe we only need to look at Christ Himself as he asked" My God, My God why have you forsaken me?"on the cross as He too fought the Battle of Doubt. The disciples constantly did battle-remember Doubting Thomas? So too are we in struggle against this relentless enemy. How then are we to prevail?
Just as we prevail over other worldly enemies. We beseech Jesus as the desperate father in Mark did. Jesus says in John 6:35 " I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry." Perhaps it might be prudent to start most of our prayers with the request that doubt be cast aside for surely having done so getting guidance from Jesus will be so much easier.
The Higher Grounds Ministry is staying strong but we are perhaps under going some changes. We will stay dedicated to Christ`s teachings and to uplifting anyone who seeks this type of fellowship. We seek everyone`s prayers and input so the decesions that are made are in God`s Glory and help us continue to be under Christ`s umbrella of protection.
Y`all have a great week as life in Christ is beautiful-there`s no doubt about it!!
This week Gary spoke from Mark chapter 9 emphasising verse 24"Lord. I believe, but help me with my unbelief." Gary used a boxing analogy in that often we are in the boxing ring of life. We might have many foes at different times but one of the toughest is the foe of doubt. As doubt stands across the ring and glares at us with that Mike Tyson( a nasty boxer) look we realize that he is a difficult foe. It is not so much that he can defeat us in this particular fight but that he can beat us up so bad that we are weak in all other fights!!
Lest we underestimate the dangers of this foe we only need to look at Christ Himself as he asked" My God, My God why have you forsaken me?"on the cross as He too fought the Battle of Doubt. The disciples constantly did battle-remember Doubting Thomas? So too are we in struggle against this relentless enemy. How then are we to prevail?
Just as we prevail over other worldly enemies. We beseech Jesus as the desperate father in Mark did. Jesus says in John 6:35 " I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry." Perhaps it might be prudent to start most of our prayers with the request that doubt be cast aside for surely having done so getting guidance from Jesus will be so much easier.
The Higher Grounds Ministry is staying strong but we are perhaps under going some changes. We will stay dedicated to Christ`s teachings and to uplifting anyone who seeks this type of fellowship. We seek everyone`s prayers and input so the decesions that are made are in God`s Glory and help us continue to be under Christ`s umbrella of protection.
Y`all have a great week as life in Christ is beautiful-there`s no doubt about it!!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
04/06/2008
Happiness-one fine gift
Romans 8:31-"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Well, cancer, poverty,accidents, depression just to name a few things that might be against us. To borrow from a song "He never promised us a rose garden." God`s world is what it is. Why he made things the way they are is His provence. As I said in an earlier BLOG everything is a piece of a very large mosaic whose totality is perfection. We must deal with the pieces that are our lives.
Now, God does not leave us hanging. I am reading a good book "Happiness is" by Shawn Shea. Mr. Shea calls each of us happiness machines. By this he means that we all have the capability for happiness and I agree. I think that God has given us this gift- the gift of happiness. With free will we have the sad ability to spurn this gift. In doing so we fight against God`s basic nature and of course ours-happiness.
By giving us a basic nature of happiness we have the ability to rise above ALL evil or malicious forces. This is exemplified by the Book of Job. God wants us to be happy and thus gives us the ability to do so. I would say that is a FINE gift-yes? This is what God means when He says "what can come against us"? He intends that we trust in God. By trusting in God we accept the basic premise that he gave us the ability to be happy and thus we will tap into that reserve and presto! We find joy!!
God made John Merrick. John Merrick is better known as the "Elephant Man". He was given this nomenclature because he had a disease that terribly misformed him into what most folks would only discribe as grotesque. Almost inhuman looking he actually caused people to scream. Mr. Merrick had a horrible early life as a side show freak. He was eventually rescued by a doctor name Sir Frederick Trevs and lived out a short life as a curiosity of English society. Now, whats the point? Well, this hideous outcast of mankind was a happy man!!!! Yes, he had the ability to tap into God`s gift of a basic nature of happiness and with an attitude of gratitude overcome things we can only imagine.
John Merrick had it, Johnny Plimpton has it ,I have it and so do you-God`s gift of happiness in the face of ALL adversity. "Don`t worry be happy" the calypso song says- and God is singing it too!
Y`all have a great week and go ahead and wrap yourself in God`s cloak of happiness and joy.
Romans 8:31-"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Well, cancer, poverty,accidents, depression just to name a few things that might be against us. To borrow from a song "He never promised us a rose garden." God`s world is what it is. Why he made things the way they are is His provence. As I said in an earlier BLOG everything is a piece of a very large mosaic whose totality is perfection. We must deal with the pieces that are our lives.
Now, God does not leave us hanging. I am reading a good book "Happiness is" by Shawn Shea. Mr. Shea calls each of us happiness machines. By this he means that we all have the capability for happiness and I agree. I think that God has given us this gift- the gift of happiness. With free will we have the sad ability to spurn this gift. In doing so we fight against God`s basic nature and of course ours-happiness.
By giving us a basic nature of happiness we have the ability to rise above ALL evil or malicious forces. This is exemplified by the Book of Job. God wants us to be happy and thus gives us the ability to do so. I would say that is a FINE gift-yes? This is what God means when He says "what can come against us"? He intends that we trust in God. By trusting in God we accept the basic premise that he gave us the ability to be happy and thus we will tap into that reserve and presto! We find joy!!
God made John Merrick. John Merrick is better known as the "Elephant Man". He was given this nomenclature because he had a disease that terribly misformed him into what most folks would only discribe as grotesque. Almost inhuman looking he actually caused people to scream. Mr. Merrick had a horrible early life as a side show freak. He was eventually rescued by a doctor name Sir Frederick Trevs and lived out a short life as a curiosity of English society. Now, whats the point? Well, this hideous outcast of mankind was a happy man!!!! Yes, he had the ability to tap into God`s gift of a basic nature of happiness and with an attitude of gratitude overcome things we can only imagine.
John Merrick had it, Johnny Plimpton has it ,I have it and so do you-God`s gift of happiness in the face of ALL adversity. "Don`t worry be happy" the calypso song says- and God is singing it too!
Y`all have a great week and go ahead and wrap yourself in God`s cloak of happiness and joy.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
3/30/08
Amazing Grace
Our speaker this week was Mr. Dick Beech CEO of George Howe Co. He spoke on an interesting topic that certainly applies to certain people. He spoke of a "black" heart as opposed to a "white "heart. A black heart is how we often see ourselves; a white heart is how Jesus sees us. When many of us start to walk in the lighted pathway of Jesus we are burdened by things we did in the darkness. Mr. Beech carries this burden( he said so) a certain BLOG writer carries this burden and I think an amazing man also carries this burden, and that man is Gary Stembal.
Carl Stembal passed away last week. I did not know Mr. Stembal except that he was Gary`s father. A part, large or small, of what Gary is today is because of Carl. This legacy, in and of itself labels Carl a great man.
Higher grounds is a Christian fellowship and we follow Christ. We should never place any individual above Him. Yet, to not acknowledge the gift that is Gary Stembal would seem to be unfair. Gary, week after week, takes time from a busy life to study God`s words, to implant them in his heart and then to present them to us in a way that is deep, rich and understandable. I think that one of Gary`s most difficult aspects is to get past his "black" heart ie. that heart that only Gary sees within himself. How do I know? A certain greeter/BLOG writer has the same difficulty.
Jesus does not see it that way. By the grace of God we are whitewashed. All He sees is a white heart. He has forgiven us and if Jesus forgives us then truly we should forgive ourselves.
Thank you Carl Stembal for giving Higher grounds the gift that is Gary. Thank you Gary for allowing us to unwrap that gift.
And so 10,000 years will pass and Carl will still be alive in Jesus. So will Gary and me and you. We have just begun.Amen
Y`all have a great week.
Our speaker this week was Mr. Dick Beech CEO of George Howe Co. He spoke on an interesting topic that certainly applies to certain people. He spoke of a "black" heart as opposed to a "white "heart. A black heart is how we often see ourselves; a white heart is how Jesus sees us. When many of us start to walk in the lighted pathway of Jesus we are burdened by things we did in the darkness. Mr. Beech carries this burden( he said so) a certain BLOG writer carries this burden and I think an amazing man also carries this burden, and that man is Gary Stembal.
Carl Stembal passed away last week. I did not know Mr. Stembal except that he was Gary`s father. A part, large or small, of what Gary is today is because of Carl. This legacy, in and of itself labels Carl a great man.
Higher grounds is a Christian fellowship and we follow Christ. We should never place any individual above Him. Yet, to not acknowledge the gift that is Gary Stembal would seem to be unfair. Gary, week after week, takes time from a busy life to study God`s words, to implant them in his heart and then to present them to us in a way that is deep, rich and understandable. I think that one of Gary`s most difficult aspects is to get past his "black" heart ie. that heart that only Gary sees within himself. How do I know? A certain greeter/BLOG writer has the same difficulty.
Jesus does not see it that way. By the grace of God we are whitewashed. All He sees is a white heart. He has forgiven us and if Jesus forgives us then truly we should forgive ourselves.
Thank you Carl Stembal for giving Higher grounds the gift that is Gary. Thank you Gary for allowing us to unwrap that gift.
And so 10,000 years will pass and Carl will still be alive in Jesus. So will Gary and me and you. We have just begun.Amen
Y`all have a great week.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
03/23/2008
A Man has risen!!
Jesus Christ is the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. As the Son he was a man. Yes, a man like you and like me. As a man he could be tempted, feel sorrow and feel pain. When they placed a crown of thorns upon Him and the blood ran down his face-it hurt. When they scourged Him and the blood ran down His back-it hurt. When Peter denied Him three times-it hurt.
We are born as sinners and as sinners we have no way -nay no right to EVER be in the presence of God. We are doomed to eternal Hell. God in His mercy gave us a way to transcend this but it all depended on a man. One man-Jesus Christ. As a man, with free will He indeed had the possibility to tell us to shove it- that we aren`t worth a minor hang nail pain much less terrible affliction and ultimately death. Would you or I face derision, torture,death for a bunch of people who scorned us to the point of spitting in our face!!( Matthew 26:67)? What if He had acted like most men? Can we imagine a world without Christian ethics,guidance and love? A life of no hope after death? We can actually better understand God in the sense that He has the power to make everything okay merely by thought but to understand the way Christ the man had to do it by terrible terrible sacrifice??Jesus the man had to have faith just as you or I, to do what he did; to suffer and die. And for us, for you, for me-He did.
Then he arose. He had taken the risk. He had suffered pain. He had suffered humiliation. He had suffered a terrible death. A typical martyr like so many others now dead-but wait; it was different!!! He arose. He came back from death. It wasn`t possible!! -It happened.
Thru the centuries billions of people have accepted this fact; from the rich and powerful to the meek and poor.We get it. The reason we get it is because He was a man and we can understand His pain, His agony, His wish that it could be some other way but He went through it-for you, for me. His suffering-our eternal life.
As we venture forth from this Easter will we continue to spit in the face of a man who died for us? Will we just say "thanks guy" and move on. This "guy" suffered grevious pain, suffered grevious indiginity, DIED for you. We owe Him, oh brother do we owe Him!! All He asks is that we follow His teachings and accept Him for who He is. God, give me the courage to in this small way pay back the MAN who gave it all. Amen
Y`all have a happy Easter. Jesus Christ arose from the dead. He lives.
Jesus Christ is the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. As the Son he was a man. Yes, a man like you and like me. As a man he could be tempted, feel sorrow and feel pain. When they placed a crown of thorns upon Him and the blood ran down his face-it hurt. When they scourged Him and the blood ran down His back-it hurt. When Peter denied Him three times-it hurt.
We are born as sinners and as sinners we have no way -nay no right to EVER be in the presence of God. We are doomed to eternal Hell. God in His mercy gave us a way to transcend this but it all depended on a man. One man-Jesus Christ. As a man, with free will He indeed had the possibility to tell us to shove it- that we aren`t worth a minor hang nail pain much less terrible affliction and ultimately death. Would you or I face derision, torture,death for a bunch of people who scorned us to the point of spitting in our face!!( Matthew 26:67)? What if He had acted like most men? Can we imagine a world without Christian ethics,guidance and love? A life of no hope after death? We can actually better understand God in the sense that He has the power to make everything okay merely by thought but to understand the way Christ the man had to do it by terrible terrible sacrifice??Jesus the man had to have faith just as you or I, to do what he did; to suffer and die. And for us, for you, for me-He did.
Then he arose. He had taken the risk. He had suffered pain. He had suffered humiliation. He had suffered a terrible death. A typical martyr like so many others now dead-but wait; it was different!!! He arose. He came back from death. It wasn`t possible!! -It happened.
Thru the centuries billions of people have accepted this fact; from the rich and powerful to the meek and poor.We get it. The reason we get it is because He was a man and we can understand His pain, His agony, His wish that it could be some other way but He went through it-for you, for me. His suffering-our eternal life.
As we venture forth from this Easter will we continue to spit in the face of a man who died for us? Will we just say "thanks guy" and move on. This "guy" suffered grevious pain, suffered grevious indiginity, DIED for you. We owe Him, oh brother do we owe Him!! All He asks is that we follow His teachings and accept Him for who He is. God, give me the courage to in this small way pay back the MAN who gave it all. Amen
Y`all have a happy Easter. Jesus Christ arose from the dead. He lives.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
03/16/2008
GOD IS LIGHT
God calls each of us to do his bidding and this can take many shapes. At Higher Grounds Ministry Gary Stembal has been called to be our main teacher. Dave Kuhlber and Debby Dennison take their time to prepare our beverages. Different callings-but both an intricate part of our Sunday experience. Ed and Leann Smith provide the backbone of our church and Beth Mattocks has been called to be our conscience. Just as Ed and Leann offers strength to our ship( to mix metaphors) Beth is the rudder to guide us and keep us on course. And what a job she does!!!
Beth spoke from 1st John 5:-10.
God is light and there is NO darkness in Him at all!!
If we live in darkness we are NOT living the Word of God( and thus not living His Truth)
If we ARE living in the light we are removed from sin and all its manifestations.
We MUST admit that we are not perfect and when we do sin we must admit and confess and God will forgive us.
As Christians we are held to a VERY high standard!! These standards are what separate us from others. We will look different. If we are not pure then others will correctly perceive that we are not walking in the Light. Its the so called small sins that make the difference. Walking away from a bigotry joke, never cursing, never listening to gossip never criticising- these are what make us stand out as Christians and spare us from being called hypocrites.
We have been implanted with a seed at the time of our being saved. We have all of God`s attributes within us. While God IS these things Light,Love ,Life and the Word we can only imbue them. If we do not nourish and protect the seed it will not grow. If we live the proper life then the seed does grow and only then can we radiate Christian love and joy. Others will be drawn to this. Light and darkness are opposites. If we allow the smallest shadow then the light dims; it looses its purity and dear brethern it DOES make a difference!! Matthew chapter 7 tells us of the trees that bear either good or bad fruits. We will be judged by those fruits both by others and by God. Its clear-we either walk in Gods Light or we are in darkness. There is no middle ground.
Jesus was given to us by God to brighten the Light; to give it glow. Jesus used this radiance to attract others and paved the way for all to follow his beacon. The Truth, the Way and the Life- all through Jesus. This is the time of the year that we both clebrate His death and His reserection. Jesus is the ultimate light( a reflection of God Himself) and we bask in His Glory. Please mirror that glow so that others might see in you the love and greatness that is our God. Amen.
Y`all have a great week as we wend our way towards Easter and the celebratrion of the greatest event of all time!!!
God calls each of us to do his bidding and this can take many shapes. At Higher Grounds Ministry Gary Stembal has been called to be our main teacher. Dave Kuhlber and Debby Dennison take their time to prepare our beverages. Different callings-but both an intricate part of our Sunday experience. Ed and Leann Smith provide the backbone of our church and Beth Mattocks has been called to be our conscience. Just as Ed and Leann offers strength to our ship( to mix metaphors) Beth is the rudder to guide us and keep us on course. And what a job she does!!!
Beth spoke from 1st John 5:-10.
God is light and there is NO darkness in Him at all!!
If we live in darkness we are NOT living the Word of God( and thus not living His Truth)
If we ARE living in the light we are removed from sin and all its manifestations.
We MUST admit that we are not perfect and when we do sin we must admit and confess and God will forgive us.
As Christians we are held to a VERY high standard!! These standards are what separate us from others. We will look different. If we are not pure then others will correctly perceive that we are not walking in the Light. Its the so called small sins that make the difference. Walking away from a bigotry joke, never cursing, never listening to gossip never criticising- these are what make us stand out as Christians and spare us from being called hypocrites.
We have been implanted with a seed at the time of our being saved. We have all of God`s attributes within us. While God IS these things Light,Love ,Life and the Word we can only imbue them. If we do not nourish and protect the seed it will not grow. If we live the proper life then the seed does grow and only then can we radiate Christian love and joy. Others will be drawn to this. Light and darkness are opposites. If we allow the smallest shadow then the light dims; it looses its purity and dear brethern it DOES make a difference!! Matthew chapter 7 tells us of the trees that bear either good or bad fruits. We will be judged by those fruits both by others and by God. Its clear-we either walk in Gods Light or we are in darkness. There is no middle ground.
Jesus was given to us by God to brighten the Light; to give it glow. Jesus used this radiance to attract others and paved the way for all to follow his beacon. The Truth, the Way and the Life- all through Jesus. This is the time of the year that we both clebrate His death and His reserection. Jesus is the ultimate light( a reflection of God Himself) and we bask in His Glory. Please mirror that glow so that others might see in you the love and greatness that is our God. Amen.
Y`all have a great week as we wend our way towards Easter and the celebratrion of the greatest event of all time!!!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
03/09/2008
Who was/is that Guy?
Gary spoke this week of knowing Jesus. We have heard this teaching before in different forms and I kinda figured I might be able to sit this one out as I figured that I have a pretty good grasp on who He was/is-WRONG!
This weeks text was Pauls Letter to the Philippians chapter 3: 9-13. In these verses Paul emphasis is on how he(Paul) wants to know Jesus better ; verse 13-" I do not consider that I have captured and made it my own" . Hmm, this was towards the end of Pauls life and he had dedicated that life to serving Jesus yet he STILL needed to know more of Jesus?! Where does that leave us? Surely we too need to know more.
Gary analagized it to a ladder. A ladder that ends at knowing Christ.
The first rung is knowing Jesus as History. We know where and how He was born,where He taught, about the disciples, His miracles and how He dies. This is information we might know about any famous figure( Gary offered Abe Lincoln). If we really ponder, we see that this is not a deep knowledge at all.
The second rung is Christ revealed. This is indeed deeper and means being saved. On the surface this may seem a deep understanding but again its really only another step( vital as it is) and although basic leaves us so much more to know.
The third rung is experiencing Him. Any time that the Hand of God has touched us, either to keep us from physical harm or to help our Spiratual life is a knowledge of Jesus and again a step higher towards total understanding.
Yet we climb higher to the fourth rung. This is the rung of prayer. Through prayer we gain even more understanding.
And....... well, time was up!! Next week Gary has promised us more steps up the ladder so those who couldn`t make it this week get to hear more of this really interesting and important topic!!
Y`all have a great week as we plow through the end of winter. As Spring reserects us from winter so too will we soon be blessed by celebrating the Reserection of Christ at Easter.
Gary spoke this week of knowing Jesus. We have heard this teaching before in different forms and I kinda figured I might be able to sit this one out as I figured that I have a pretty good grasp on who He was/is-WRONG!
This weeks text was Pauls Letter to the Philippians chapter 3: 9-13. In these verses Paul emphasis is on how he(Paul) wants to know Jesus better ; verse 13-" I do not consider that I have captured and made it my own" . Hmm, this was towards the end of Pauls life and he had dedicated that life to serving Jesus yet he STILL needed to know more of Jesus?! Where does that leave us? Surely we too need to know more.
Gary analagized it to a ladder. A ladder that ends at knowing Christ.
The first rung is knowing Jesus as History. We know where and how He was born,where He taught, about the disciples, His miracles and how He dies. This is information we might know about any famous figure( Gary offered Abe Lincoln). If we really ponder, we see that this is not a deep knowledge at all.
The second rung is Christ revealed. This is indeed deeper and means being saved. On the surface this may seem a deep understanding but again its really only another step( vital as it is) and although basic leaves us so much more to know.
The third rung is experiencing Him. Any time that the Hand of God has touched us, either to keep us from physical harm or to help our Spiratual life is a knowledge of Jesus and again a step higher towards total understanding.
Yet we climb higher to the fourth rung. This is the rung of prayer. Through prayer we gain even more understanding.
And....... well, time was up!! Next week Gary has promised us more steps up the ladder so those who couldn`t make it this week get to hear more of this really interesting and important topic!!
Y`all have a great week as we plow through the end of winter. As Spring reserects us from winter so too will we soon be blessed by celebrating the Reserection of Christ at Easter.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
03/02/08
WHY?
Gary taught this week from the book of Habbakkuk, Gotta admit that I wasn`t too familier with this text!One of the reasons God spoke from this book was because of a terrible fire in Grove City that claimed the life of a lady and left a firefighter in critical condition.
In chapter one Habbakkuk, like million of others have, cried out to God asking why He would allow tragedy in the world. We too,wonder why God allows terrible things to happen often to people who do not seem to deserve them. The answer is both complicated and simple.
In Habbakkuk 2;3 God answers that its all part of God`s Plan and we will understand it in His time, not ours. A terrible tragedy is a small piece of a very very large puzzle. Once all the pieces of the puzzle are put together we will see a gorgeous mosaic and in perspective that one ugly piece will be seen as a part of it.
This does not address the pain we feel in the meantime. We are admonished in Habbakkuk 3;18 to rejoice in the Lord and exult in God`s Salvation. Because of Jesus we know that in the end all will be well. We must cleave onto this belief in times of tragedy. God does not promise us a life of no difficulties, but through Jesus he DOES provide us with a way of dealing with them. Time heals all wounds and Jesus is the salve.
Bible study
A Thursday night Bible study has been started! We meet at 6 P.M. on the second floor of the Coffee Grove. A better in depth understanding of Gods word is the goal. Come one come all.
Y`all have a great week.
Gary taught this week from the book of Habbakkuk, Gotta admit that I wasn`t too familier with this text!One of the reasons God spoke from this book was because of a terrible fire in Grove City that claimed the life of a lady and left a firefighter in critical condition.
In chapter one Habbakkuk, like million of others have, cried out to God asking why He would allow tragedy in the world. We too,wonder why God allows terrible things to happen often to people who do not seem to deserve them. The answer is both complicated and simple.
In Habbakkuk 2;3 God answers that its all part of God`s Plan and we will understand it in His time, not ours. A terrible tragedy is a small piece of a very very large puzzle. Once all the pieces of the puzzle are put together we will see a gorgeous mosaic and in perspective that one ugly piece will be seen as a part of it.
This does not address the pain we feel in the meantime. We are admonished in Habbakkuk 3;18 to rejoice in the Lord and exult in God`s Salvation. Because of Jesus we know that in the end all will be well. We must cleave onto this belief in times of tragedy. God does not promise us a life of no difficulties, but through Jesus he DOES provide us with a way of dealing with them. Time heals all wounds and Jesus is the salve.
Bible study
A Thursday night Bible study has been started! We meet at 6 P.M. on the second floor of the Coffee Grove. A better in depth understanding of Gods word is the goal. Come one come all.
Y`all have a great week.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
02/24/2008
Gary hits three home runs
After a short hiatus, our main speaker Gary Stembal returned and boy was he in fine preachin` fettle!! We were blessed to receive three messages for the price of one.
If ya can`t lift an ant-ya can`t lift an elephant
Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was face to face with his own demise and it was a serious matter. Peter, John and James were with him and he needed their support. He asked them to just stay awake for the hour that Christ needed to talk to His Father. That`s it-just stay awake. The three disciples fell asleep! Three times!!
How often do we fail in the most simple of Christian tasks? To read a verse daily, to pray sincerely, to help a neighbor? Yet, after not doing these easy things we expect to face down the most dire of circumstances with Christian fortitude. What fortitude? We have not armed ourselves with Christ`s protections and yet the spears of satan won`t penetrate? Let us not kid ourselves-small steps before we try and run a marathon!
Jesus reads His own map
In this message from Matthew, Jesus is giving us guidance to solve our serious problems. He does this by actually doing it himself-for His own serious problem.
First he addressed the sorrows, temptations and difficulties of his situation head on. He was facing his own death . This was real and think about it- you have the power to stop it!! Now there is a temptation!! He was a man and this was emotional and not easy.
Next He pleaded his case to God verse 39 "let this cup pass away from me".
Then He turned it over to God also in verse 39 and in 42 "thy will be done"
This is a map showing us how to prevail over sorrows and temptations and luke warmness
1.Face it
2.supplicate
3.accept God`s answer
Jesus hurt
Jesus was a man. He had the same emotions as you and I. When He was face to face with his own death He felt remorse just as we would. This Man was seeing a terrible end and still in his 30`s-a young Man in the prime of life; a lifetime to live .Yet he was asked to give it up. And for who?- a bunch of sinners, most of whom would never even acknowledge his existance?!! For a bunch of incompetents who wouldn`t have the right to crawl at his feet much less receive eternal glory? For mankind? For you and I?
He faced this death, felt the pain and agony and depression, looked satan in the eye and said "Get up, let us be going! see, My betrayer is at hand!"
And for us-He died.
Amen
After a short hiatus, our main speaker Gary Stembal returned and boy was he in fine preachin` fettle!! We were blessed to receive three messages for the price of one.
If ya can`t lift an ant-ya can`t lift an elephant
Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was face to face with his own demise and it was a serious matter. Peter, John and James were with him and he needed their support. He asked them to just stay awake for the hour that Christ needed to talk to His Father. That`s it-just stay awake. The three disciples fell asleep! Three times!!
How often do we fail in the most simple of Christian tasks? To read a verse daily, to pray sincerely, to help a neighbor? Yet, after not doing these easy things we expect to face down the most dire of circumstances with Christian fortitude. What fortitude? We have not armed ourselves with Christ`s protections and yet the spears of satan won`t penetrate? Let us not kid ourselves-small steps before we try and run a marathon!
Jesus reads His own map
In this message from Matthew, Jesus is giving us guidance to solve our serious problems. He does this by actually doing it himself-for His own serious problem.
First he addressed the sorrows, temptations and difficulties of his situation head on. He was facing his own death . This was real and think about it- you have the power to stop it!! Now there is a temptation!! He was a man and this was emotional and not easy.
Next He pleaded his case to God verse 39 "let this cup pass away from me".
Then He turned it over to God also in verse 39 and in 42 "thy will be done"
This is a map showing us how to prevail over sorrows and temptations and luke warmness
1.Face it
2.supplicate
3.accept God`s answer
Jesus hurt
Jesus was a man. He had the same emotions as you and I. When He was face to face with his own death He felt remorse just as we would. This Man was seeing a terrible end and still in his 30`s-a young Man in the prime of life; a lifetime to live .Yet he was asked to give it up. And for who?- a bunch of sinners, most of whom would never even acknowledge his existance?!! For a bunch of incompetents who wouldn`t have the right to crawl at his feet much less receive eternal glory? For mankind? For you and I?
He faced this death, felt the pain and agony and depression, looked satan in the eye and said "Get up, let us be going! see, My betrayer is at hand!"
And for us-He died.
Amen
Sunday, February 17, 2008
O2/17/2008
Glue
I think Jesus likes the Higher Grounds ministries!! Why else would he bless such a small congregation with so many wonderful and gifted speakers? This week we were excited to hear God speak through Steve Gould.; a gifted orator using that gift to speak about God`s words.
The lesson this week was from Romans chapter 12 starting with verse 9 through verse 21. The verses are a series of admonishments from Jesus some of which are frankly pretty tough. They are a follow up to similer urgings found throughout the New Testament especially in Matthew.
A sampling of some toughies
verse 13- contribute to the needs of God`s people
14- Bless those who persecute you
15 -rejoice with those who rejoice
16-live in harmony with one another
17 -repay noone evil for evil
18-live at peace with everyone
and this really tough one
20-If your enemy is hungary -feed him!!!
There is most likely one or more of these that are difficult for most of us. So hard that they seem impossible to adhere to. The glue that holds all these most challenging of entreaties into a possibility is love. Love is the binder for all of God`s demands. Love is the doorway into a world that is against human nature(sin). With love we can do what seems impossible because we see the situation differently. Matthew 5:44 says love your enemies. If we do indeed love them then we can indeed feed him; you can give your coat to someone suing us(Matthew 5:40) and more and more extremely difficult tasks. Without love, how can we get beyond ourselves as humans? Its this Christian love that is the glue that holds all of Christian teachings together. Romans 12;9 says "Let your love be sincere"
A final comment on Steve`s lesson. Steve warned us that if we left the Coffee Grove intending to try harder that we might fail. I didnt know what he meant but when he indicated that we were to- Let go and let God- I understood. God imparts the feelingof love to us thru the Holy Spirit and we must allow Him to do this for us. Then and perhaps only then can we adhere to very demanding admonishments.
Y`all have a great week and watch the ice!! If we think sidewalks are slippery, think about the slippery slope away from Jesus. Watch your steps and stay on the salted paths of Jesus!
I think Jesus likes the Higher Grounds ministries!! Why else would he bless such a small congregation with so many wonderful and gifted speakers? This week we were excited to hear God speak through Steve Gould.; a gifted orator using that gift to speak about God`s words.
The lesson this week was from Romans chapter 12 starting with verse 9 through verse 21. The verses are a series of admonishments from Jesus some of which are frankly pretty tough. They are a follow up to similer urgings found throughout the New Testament especially in Matthew.
A sampling of some toughies
verse 13- contribute to the needs of God`s people
14- Bless those who persecute you
15 -rejoice with those who rejoice
16-live in harmony with one another
17 -repay noone evil for evil
18-live at peace with everyone
and this really tough one
20-If your enemy is hungary -feed him!!!
There is most likely one or more of these that are difficult for most of us. So hard that they seem impossible to adhere to. The glue that holds all these most challenging of entreaties into a possibility is love. Love is the binder for all of God`s demands. Love is the doorway into a world that is against human nature(sin). With love we can do what seems impossible because we see the situation differently. Matthew 5:44 says love your enemies. If we do indeed love them then we can indeed feed him; you can give your coat to someone suing us(Matthew 5:40) and more and more extremely difficult tasks. Without love, how can we get beyond ourselves as humans? Its this Christian love that is the glue that holds all of Christian teachings together. Romans 12;9 says "Let your love be sincere"
A final comment on Steve`s lesson. Steve warned us that if we left the Coffee Grove intending to try harder that we might fail. I didnt know what he meant but when he indicated that we were to- Let go and let God- I understood. God imparts the feelingof love to us thru the Holy Spirit and we must allow Him to do this for us. Then and perhaps only then can we adhere to very demanding admonishments.
Y`all have a great week and watch the ice!! If we think sidewalks are slippery, think about the slippery slope away from Jesus. Watch your steps and stay on the salted paths of Jesus!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
2/10/2008
How soon we forget
This week we were again blessed with a really gifted speaker-Dr. Terry Thomas professer from Geneva College. Dr. Thomas` presentation was insightful yet also humerous. Too often we treat Old Testament scripture as heavy and almost mournful so it was fun to hear it presented in a fun way.
God`s voice this week spoke to us from Numbers chapter 11.( I was sore tempted to do a bankruptcy opt- Thank you Lord for sparing me from myself ). 8>)
" And the people grumbled and deplored their hardships" Numbers 11:1. These people lived thousands of years ago yet how true would this be today? God provides and we grumble. Dr. Thomas mentions that we are Americans so indeed have more than the vast majority of Earth`s peoples, yet we grumble. God provided the complainers with more than they could possibly eat( in this case Quails). Then He smote them(Numbers 11:33). Is this analogous to present day wealth? Will we too be punished for asking for too much?
How soon we forget.
God has given us a great gift in that we are able to forget past traumas and difficulties. In this way we are able to face the future without burdun. The downside is that we also forget how bad things were before the Grace of Jesus. We are given wonderful things thru conversion, yet we forget the "before". We start to ask for wants rather than needs. God certainly can and will provide for those wants( especially if ya ask for a gazillion quails) but there can be a penalty. We become tempted to value the new gifts and then to take them for granted and then we forget what they are indeed gifts. God at any moment can and will take them away for the true and only needed gift is His Son and lest we forget - without HIM we have nothing!!
Dr. Thomas said " God does not wow us with power but woos us with love". Its this love that gives us a life of gold. The rest is just trappings soon to rust. Enjoy God`s bounty but never forget gratitude for we are incredibly blessed with far more things than we need. If one feels that he/she is not getting their fair share- read Numbers 11 and beware!
Y`all have a great week and adopt an attitude of graditude.
This week we were again blessed with a really gifted speaker-Dr. Terry Thomas professer from Geneva College. Dr. Thomas` presentation was insightful yet also humerous. Too often we treat Old Testament scripture as heavy and almost mournful so it was fun to hear it presented in a fun way.
God`s voice this week spoke to us from Numbers chapter 11.( I was sore tempted to do a bankruptcy opt- Thank you Lord for sparing me from myself ). 8>)
" And the people grumbled and deplored their hardships" Numbers 11:1. These people lived thousands of years ago yet how true would this be today? God provides and we grumble. Dr. Thomas mentions that we are Americans so indeed have more than the vast majority of Earth`s peoples, yet we grumble. God provided the complainers with more than they could possibly eat( in this case Quails). Then He smote them(Numbers 11:33). Is this analogous to present day wealth? Will we too be punished for asking for too much?
How soon we forget.
God has given us a great gift in that we are able to forget past traumas and difficulties. In this way we are able to face the future without burdun. The downside is that we also forget how bad things were before the Grace of Jesus. We are given wonderful things thru conversion, yet we forget the "before". We start to ask for wants rather than needs. God certainly can and will provide for those wants( especially if ya ask for a gazillion quails) but there can be a penalty. We become tempted to value the new gifts and then to take them for granted and then we forget what they are indeed gifts. God at any moment can and will take them away for the true and only needed gift is His Son and lest we forget - without HIM we have nothing!!
Dr. Thomas said " God does not wow us with power but woos us with love". Its this love that gives us a life of gold. The rest is just trappings soon to rust. Enjoy God`s bounty but never forget gratitude for we are incredibly blessed with far more things than we need. If one feels that he/she is not getting their fair share- read Numbers 11 and beware!
Y`all have a great week and adopt an attitude of graditude.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
2/3/2008
In Mont We Trust?
Beth Mattocks was our teacher this week. She used her husband Mont to do an illustration of full trust in God. Unrehearsed it was so much fun!! Beth`s point was that often we put trust in God but always have a fall back plan. She then showed that by fully leaning on Mont( who for this purpose played the roll of Our Diety!!) how much trust we needed to have. Mont`s lack of sureness as to what Beth wanted him to do added to the fun but I think also illustrated the risk we entail if we do indeed substitute anything or anyone for God!!
Colossians 2:9-10 provided the main base for the message presented by Beth. This verse expresses the rather remarkable fact that if we are "in" Christ that we are filled with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit and that we reach full spiritual awareness as a result. And HE(Christ) is the head of all rule and authority of every angelic principality and power!! Thus, WE(with Christ within us) also assume this power. Egads!!! Can make one a bit heady eh?
Is this serious? Do we possess this power? Well, yes. If we accept the total fullness of Christ than who or what can stand against us? Its a no lose proposition. We are promised eternal life so even if our lives are taken from us-what of it? We still win but too cool is also the promise that our current lives are going to be great also!! We must seek God`s purpose in life, which will always be some form of service to Christ, and fullfillment will follow. Fullfillment leads to happiness and once we accept this happiness than who can come against us? Love and joy in Christ and its resulting emotions lead us to ultimate happiness. Not only will we know that what we are doing in our own lives is right but we can clearly see others and appreciate their gifts but also not take umbrage at their failures. Accepting ourselves and others- well doesn`t this eliminate a whole buncha problems?? This gives us the mentioned power to conquer all.Amen!
Galatians 5:1 says that Christ has set us free. Once we discern our true purpose in life as it relates to Christ then we can focus on it. We are relieved of the burden of indecision. Then the piece de la resistance is found in Ephesians 3:17 -19. Using the Amplified Bible I must quote
"May Christ through your faith dwell in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints of God the experience of that love. That you may really come to know through experience the love of Christ which far surpasses mere knowledge;that you may be filled unto all the fullness of God and may have the richest measure of the devine prescence and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!" Amen!!
Its this "love" that is the true power and as soon as we fully understand that love we inherit the Kingdom of God.
Special prayers this week for Gary Stembal and his family as they take the long walk with Gary`s father towards God`s Glory. While we know God has the power to cure anything He also has prepared a room. If this room is now to be occupied by Carl then let us rejoice in it ,even while we console those left behind.Please dear Jesus be with Gary as he sorts through his feelings and give him the joy he has earned by doing your bidding. Amen.
Y`all have a great week as you bask in the fullness of God. What He offers is incredible and its ours for the taking.
Beth Mattocks was our teacher this week. She used her husband Mont to do an illustration of full trust in God. Unrehearsed it was so much fun!! Beth`s point was that often we put trust in God but always have a fall back plan. She then showed that by fully leaning on Mont( who for this purpose played the roll of Our Diety!!) how much trust we needed to have. Mont`s lack of sureness as to what Beth wanted him to do added to the fun but I think also illustrated the risk we entail if we do indeed substitute anything or anyone for God!!
Colossians 2:9-10 provided the main base for the message presented by Beth. This verse expresses the rather remarkable fact that if we are "in" Christ that we are filled with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit and that we reach full spiritual awareness as a result. And HE(Christ) is the head of all rule and authority of every angelic principality and power!! Thus, WE(with Christ within us) also assume this power. Egads!!! Can make one a bit heady eh?
Is this serious? Do we possess this power? Well, yes. If we accept the total fullness of Christ than who or what can stand against us? Its a no lose proposition. We are promised eternal life so even if our lives are taken from us-what of it? We still win but too cool is also the promise that our current lives are going to be great also!! We must seek God`s purpose in life, which will always be some form of service to Christ, and fullfillment will follow. Fullfillment leads to happiness and once we accept this happiness than who can come against us? Love and joy in Christ and its resulting emotions lead us to ultimate happiness. Not only will we know that what we are doing in our own lives is right but we can clearly see others and appreciate their gifts but also not take umbrage at their failures. Accepting ourselves and others- well doesn`t this eliminate a whole buncha problems?? This gives us the mentioned power to conquer all.Amen!
Galatians 5:1 says that Christ has set us free. Once we discern our true purpose in life as it relates to Christ then we can focus on it. We are relieved of the burden of indecision. Then the piece de la resistance is found in Ephesians 3:17 -19. Using the Amplified Bible I must quote
"May Christ through your faith dwell in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints of God the experience of that love. That you may really come to know through experience the love of Christ which far surpasses mere knowledge;that you may be filled unto all the fullness of God and may have the richest measure of the devine prescence and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!" Amen!!
Its this "love" that is the true power and as soon as we fully understand that love we inherit the Kingdom of God.
Special prayers this week for Gary Stembal and his family as they take the long walk with Gary`s father towards God`s Glory. While we know God has the power to cure anything He also has prepared a room. If this room is now to be occupied by Carl then let us rejoice in it ,even while we console those left behind.Please dear Jesus be with Gary as he sorts through his feelings and give him the joy he has earned by doing your bidding. Amen.
Y`all have a great week as you bask in the fullness of God. What He offers is incredible and its ours for the taking.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
1/27/2008
THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE
Our Lord Jesus spoke through Gary this week from Luke 10: 38-42. This is the story about Martha and Mary. Mary was taking the time to listen to Jesus as he taught while Martha was preoccupied by serving Jesus( food, beverage pillows??). Martha felt that Mary was not doing her share of the work. Jesus` reply was that Mary indeed had the proper priority in that first hear Jesus- then act.
So often we go about our lives and then somehow squeeze the Bible and Jesus in. With our priorities askance we have already done many things but without allowing Jesus to take the lead we inevitably fall into chaos and misdirection. To read the Bible and hear God`s word will guide us to proper actions. The Bible says put Jesus first and we will not be anxious and troubled.( Luke 10: 41-42)
Please allow me to take this cart before the horse analogy a step further. We are born of a culture. This "culture" defines our ways of thought and actions. Most readers here at Higher Grounds are of what we call a Judea-Christian culture that goes back many hundreds of years. I prefer to call it an "American" culture for it has evolved in the last couple centuries and is constantly evolving. We must understand that there are millions of Christians worldwide and many different cultures. When peoples of different backgrounds read God`s word there is a tendency to imbue the interpretation with the background that reared the readers. Many will not get the true meaning of Christ because they get the cart before the horse-they read the Bible in the context of their own preconceived ideas. In fact, many people choose a church, not on the basis of Biblical teachings but what they ALREADY believe. They then contort Jesus` teachings into this belief.
We must read what Jesus is teaching outside of our own cultures. This is NOT easy but to not do this is getting the cart before the horse.
I don`t have a provocative question this week as I wish all to ponder what has been said.
Y`all have a great week which will certainly be easier by putting our priorities in Christ`s teachings first!!
Our Lord Jesus spoke through Gary this week from Luke 10: 38-42. This is the story about Martha and Mary. Mary was taking the time to listen to Jesus as he taught while Martha was preoccupied by serving Jesus( food, beverage pillows??). Martha felt that Mary was not doing her share of the work. Jesus` reply was that Mary indeed had the proper priority in that first hear Jesus- then act.
So often we go about our lives and then somehow squeeze the Bible and Jesus in. With our priorities askance we have already done many things but without allowing Jesus to take the lead we inevitably fall into chaos and misdirection. To read the Bible and hear God`s word will guide us to proper actions. The Bible says put Jesus first and we will not be anxious and troubled.( Luke 10: 41-42)
Please allow me to take this cart before the horse analogy a step further. We are born of a culture. This "culture" defines our ways of thought and actions. Most readers here at Higher Grounds are of what we call a Judea-Christian culture that goes back many hundreds of years. I prefer to call it an "American" culture for it has evolved in the last couple centuries and is constantly evolving. We must understand that there are millions of Christians worldwide and many different cultures. When peoples of different backgrounds read God`s word there is a tendency to imbue the interpretation with the background that reared the readers. Many will not get the true meaning of Christ because they get the cart before the horse-they read the Bible in the context of their own preconceived ideas. In fact, many people choose a church, not on the basis of Biblical teachings but what they ALREADY believe. They then contort Jesus` teachings into this belief.
We must read what Jesus is teaching outside of our own cultures. This is NOT easy but to not do this is getting the cart before the horse.
I don`t have a provocative question this week as I wish all to ponder what has been said.
Y`all have a great week which will certainly be easier by putting our priorities in Christ`s teachings first!!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
1/20/2008
Oh Oh!! This week Gary`s message from God was a bit more demanding. How `bout 100% committment to serving Jesus? Egads!! Not asking much is he?!!
Guess we better be buying plane tickets to Papau, New Guinia or maybe the Sudan. Missionaries of us all. Yes, for some, but Jesus lets us off the hook a bit. Gary brought out the name of James- son of Alphaeus. ( Matthew 10:3)James the Obscure?-perhaps but a disciple non the less. For every Peter there are millions of James the Obscure. We are them- but disciples non the less.
God bless the missionaries and great teachers and writers but God also bless the guy who offers to help an elderly person with their groceries. How often do we stand behind him/her in the check out line? As you scrape your icy windows in the morning have you ever wandered over to your neighbors car and scraped their window? Ever wrote a little note to someone saying- "I care -How are you?". Ever just passed an Aldi`s cart to the next person and told them to keep the quarter? Ever just held a strangers hand when they were frightened? The sentiments are endless and they all count. Quiet silent soldiers of Christ.
Many come to Jesus in time of crisis and He always responds. We think that is great!! Oh, but there is so much more when we commit ourselves to Him and His teachings!! Eternal life- hey whats not to like? Yet, a blessed life on earth also awaits us .Lets us James of Alphaeus type folks commit ourselves to a thousand small kindnesses and show Our Lord that we understand what He is saying!!
Provacative question: What faucet of society makes it actually difficult for us to do kindness? Would we indeed be thought of as odd??
Y`all try `n stave off the cold this week with the inner glow of Jesus within to bring warmth to us all.
Guess we better be buying plane tickets to Papau, New Guinia or maybe the Sudan. Missionaries of us all. Yes, for some, but Jesus lets us off the hook a bit. Gary brought out the name of James- son of Alphaeus. ( Matthew 10:3)James the Obscure?-perhaps but a disciple non the less. For every Peter there are millions of James the Obscure. We are them- but disciples non the less.
God bless the missionaries and great teachers and writers but God also bless the guy who offers to help an elderly person with their groceries. How often do we stand behind him/her in the check out line? As you scrape your icy windows in the morning have you ever wandered over to your neighbors car and scraped their window? Ever wrote a little note to someone saying- "I care -How are you?". Ever just passed an Aldi`s cart to the next person and told them to keep the quarter? Ever just held a strangers hand when they were frightened? The sentiments are endless and they all count. Quiet silent soldiers of Christ.
Many come to Jesus in time of crisis and He always responds. We think that is great!! Oh, but there is so much more when we commit ourselves to Him and His teachings!! Eternal life- hey whats not to like? Yet, a blessed life on earth also awaits us .Lets us James of Alphaeus type folks commit ourselves to a thousand small kindnesses and show Our Lord that we understand what He is saying!!
Provacative question: What faucet of society makes it actually difficult for us to do kindness? Would we indeed be thought of as odd??
Y`all try `n stave off the cold this week with the inner glow of Jesus within to bring warmth to us all.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
1/13/2008
Matthew 14 verse 30-he(Peter) was frightened and he began to sink. Verse 31-InstantlyJesus reached His hand and caught and held him.
This was Peter, the rock upon whom Christ built his church!! Peter had faith for sure( he stepped out of a perfectly good boat into a raging sea) yet even he faltered, is it not likely that we too shall stumble as we walk towards Jesus?
Jesus came out to the boat in the fourth watch( 3am to 6am)[verse 25]. This is the darkest time of the night. This is when we may need Jesus the most- He will come!!!
Jeasus is our beacon, our guide to life perfection, life eternal. We follow His rays of goodness but being human we stagger into the darkness. Our God will gladly reach out and guide us back into the light but we must take His offered hand.
Provacative question of the week- Why can`t WE get to literally see Jesus walk on water? Why just the Apostles?
Y`all have a great week and if`n ya stumble a bit just a grab a holdt a the Big Guys hand- you can be sure that He is holding it out to you!!!
This was Peter, the rock upon whom Christ built his church!! Peter had faith for sure( he stepped out of a perfectly good boat into a raging sea) yet even he faltered, is it not likely that we too shall stumble as we walk towards Jesus?
Jesus came out to the boat in the fourth watch( 3am to 6am)[verse 25]. This is the darkest time of the night. This is when we may need Jesus the most- He will come!!!
Jeasus is our beacon, our guide to life perfection, life eternal. We follow His rays of goodness but being human we stagger into the darkness. Our God will gladly reach out and guide us back into the light but we must take His offered hand.
Provacative question of the week- Why can`t WE get to literally see Jesus walk on water? Why just the Apostles?
Y`all have a great week and if`n ya stumble a bit just a grab a holdt a the Big Guys hand- you can be sure that He is holding it out to you!!!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
01/06/2007
Genesis 1:31 says "and God saw everthing that He had made and behold it was good"-amen
By Christian definintion God is unfallable thus his creation is perfect- but why did God use the word "good"? and not the word perfect. -Because, he also made man, and man is NOT perfect.
Shakespeare calls the world a "stage". Okay, and upon this stage appears man. Thus, we have a "perfect" stage and imperfect actors(us). When we doubt it can only be either us or other people. When we castigate and doubt Jesus it is transference for He is perfect.
John The Baptist doubted Jesus, probably because he was in prison(Matthew 7:2-6). All our doubts are cause by a form of prison. Since the world is perfect it HAS to be our perception that is askance.
Jesus gives us the keys OUT of our prisons through His Perfection. We may blame Him for our dispair, our prison but He has not created the prison;man(with perhaps the aide of satan) has made it.
His Perfection surrounds us in the form of nature.A tree, a flower, a river, the sun or the stars it is God`s Perfection. All flaws were either ours or our perceptions-the misguided actors upon the Perfect Stage.
Jesus will guide us in our proper roles-give us our lines and cues. All we need to do is follow his direction and we become super stars!!!
Provacative question- Is the flu or a heart attack perfect?
Y`all have a great week- remember your roles and be a super star for Jesus!!
By Christian definintion God is unfallable thus his creation is perfect- but why did God use the word "good"? and not the word perfect. -Because, he also made man, and man is NOT perfect.
Shakespeare calls the world a "stage". Okay, and upon this stage appears man. Thus, we have a "perfect" stage and imperfect actors(us). When we doubt it can only be either us or other people. When we castigate and doubt Jesus it is transference for He is perfect.
John The Baptist doubted Jesus, probably because he was in prison(Matthew 7:2-6). All our doubts are cause by a form of prison. Since the world is perfect it HAS to be our perception that is askance.
Jesus gives us the keys OUT of our prisons through His Perfection. We may blame Him for our dispair, our prison but He has not created the prison;man(with perhaps the aide of satan) has made it.
His Perfection surrounds us in the form of nature.A tree, a flower, a river, the sun or the stars it is God`s Perfection. All flaws were either ours or our perceptions-the misguided actors upon the Perfect Stage.
Jesus will guide us in our proper roles-give us our lines and cues. All we need to do is follow his direction and we become super stars!!!
Provacative question- Is the flu or a heart attack perfect?
Y`all have a great week- remember your roles and be a super star for Jesus!!
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