October 26, 2012

"I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

Walking in darkness is something our eyes and our minds get used to. At first, when the light goes off, we have to stop because it's confusing. Then we begin acclimating with the dark surroundings and after a couple of minutes we get more comfortable with it.   Actually, we can get used to managing really well in the dark. Even though we are never seeing the whole picture, we can see well enough to get by.

The problem is Jesus never intended for us to get by. He intended us to thrive and succeed abundantly in our life no matter the circumstances. Jesus never intended for us to walk in darkness. He never intended for us to acclimate to dark surroundings. He designed and created us to see light . . . in all its beauty and glow. He designed and created us to gain confidence from what light shows us . . . a path forward. A path forward through whatever difficult and confusing circumstance we face.

Walking in the light is not some catchy phrase . . . it is the new reality He makes possible for us. Jesus said "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness." So why do we all too often walk in darkness? It's a great question . . . one we should all consider today and every day we are tempted to acclimate to the dark surroundings of our lives. Are you feeling the effects of being in the dark? Ask Jesus to shine light into your darkness and He will . . . through His Word and through His Spirit in you.

This coming weekend we are going to be looking at the passage in John 8:1-12. This is going to be a portrait of Christ called "Patience." Take an early look into it before Sunday if you have a chance. Come hungry to celebrate the goodness of God, catch up with friends and receive a message that will motivate you to a deeper walk in Christ.

As always, we look forward to seeing you and your family this coming weekend. Please know you are loved.

Pastor Craig, Becky, Seth, Hannah and Riley the dog

October 10, 2012

John 4:12 "...how can you offer better water?"

These are the words of a woman who did not know Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, the One in whom we may have abundant life in His name. The water Jesus was referring to was the fullness of God living within a person's life. When God's Holy Spirit is invited to invade a person's heart, He willingly comes in to fill them in such a way that it is like the refreshment of cool clean water on a very hot and dusty day. There is just nothing better in that moment of great thirst than cool, clean, refreshing water giving life and excitement back to a dehydrated, tired, thirsty body. Jesus said His water is even better than that!

Jesus can offer better water for one reason . . . He is who He said He is. We are reminded by these words to drink from the water of God's Spirit, who is waiting to refresh us every time we drink of Him. Drink today! Drink tomorrow, then drink again after that because God wants us to be refreshed in Him at any and all times. Do this through worship, reading of the Scripture, and time spent with God as we let Him speak to us about who we are and who we could be through Jesus. If you are having trouble, call a friend. Go to coffee to talk about the work of God going on in your lives. There are many ways to drink of God's Spirit, but know that He stands ready to give us a drink of His better water! Don't go thirsty again.

For this week, I want to encourage all of us who are praying the "Morning Prayer" together. We are asking God to bring others into our lives so we may be brave enough to share our God experiences with them. If you have already missed a day or two, then stop right now and pray that prayer. I am doing it and already feel a difference in my own sensitivity to God's leading. Be ready for a miracle to happen through you.

This coming Sunday we are looking at the passage of Scripture found in John 4:43-5:15. Read ahead and jot down a few notes for yourself before we all look at it together. I can tell you this is going to be a good day.

We so look forward to seeing you Sunday! Bring a friend, and an open heart to worship and celebrate the goodness of our God.

Pastor Craig, Becky, Seth, Hannah and Riley the dog

October 4, 2012

John 3:5-6 “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”

This is a truth we examined last week at services and continue to examine throughout this week. Being born again is not some weird idea of how followers of Jesus should now talk about themselves. Being born again by the Spirit of God is a description of the reality we now live after having opened our hearts to the Messiah, the Son of God, the One to come, the One that stops our search for anything else because He fills the void in our lives. Are you living having been born again? Make the choice to live into the new life you have been given. Don't settle for anything less!

This next Sunday we are turning our attention to John 4:1-42. John gave us this portrait for a reason, and I can hardly wait to share some of those insights with you. Take some time and look over the passage yourself and see what God would say to you.

Please know we love you and can hardly wait to be with you! Don't forget to bring a friend!

Pastor Craig, Becky, Seth, Hannah and Riley the dog