God In The Storm

Posted in Attitude, Faith, Victorious Living by PCraig on March 17, 2011

We are coming into storm season here in the midwest, which can mean more warning, alerts and watches for bad weather.  I know a lot of people are terrified of storms, while others actually chase them.  I guess I’m somewhere in between. 

Where is God when a storm is happening in your life?  When it seems so dark that you can’t tell what the future might hold?  Where is He? 

He’s right where He was before the storm happened – sitting on His throne high above the storm.  Just like the sun will shine again after the natural storm passes, likewise, God will be seen when the spiritual storm passes.  This is something that we need to remind ourselves when, the doctor comes back with “bad news,” your parent continues to slip in their health, your children seem to be heading the wrong direction, or your spouse has been unfaithful.  Each of these (and more) can be spiritual battlefields where we lose or win. 

The way to victory is to keep your mind stayed on the assurance that God is STILL God in the midst of the storms of life.  He has not given away His dominion, power, or sovereign rule over the universe.  It might be dark for a season, but the SON will shine again and God can restore what the storm can take away.  Instead of focusing on your storm, try focusing on God in the storm.

NOTE:  For those wishing to have special prayer by the staff & elders, be sure and be with us in service this weekend!  We’ll believe God with you in the midst of your storm, so come expecting!!

1 person commented on this so far, read and add yours...

Set Back or Set Up?

Posted in Attitude, Opportunity, Victorious Living, witnessing by PCraig on March 10, 2011

What happens when you have a deadline looming, not feeling well, have a problem with a customer, have an opportunity to get revenge, have a feeling of being overwhelmed or sense you are being misunderstood?  It’s in that moment, you get to show us who you really are.  You can determine how we will walk away and remember you. 

Unfortunately, many see the problem instead of the potential.  We don’t realize that our worst moments provide our greatest opportunities.  Jesus talked about how it is no big deal to love, be nice or kind to people you love, but he wants us to do that with difficult people.  He said that’s when others will really know the change that Christ has made in your life. 

Instead of looking at your circumstances and thinking negatively about it, why not see it as an opportunity to shine for Jesus – because like it or not, that’s exactly what it is!

2 Comments made so far. Add yours...

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

Posted in virtues, Weekend Reflections by PCraig on March 7, 2011

In yesterday’s sermon, I read a confession that I have only done once before, but felt it fit with the topic of loyalty.  It isn’t original with me, as I have only done minor editing, but I have a passion whenever I read it like it’s mine.  After the service, many came to me and asked for a copy, so here it is:

I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.  I have Holy Spirit power.  The dye has been cast.  I have stepped over the line.  The decision has been made.  I am a disciple of Jesus and I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I’m done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a loyal disciple of Jesus.  I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.  And when He does come for His own, He’ll have no trouble recognizing me.  My colors will be clear!”

Are your colors clear?  Are you a loyal disciple of Jesus?  Read this again and again until you feel the power of these words!

2 Comments made so far. Add yours...

No Right or Wrong?

Posted in Uncategorized by PCraig on March 4, 2011

2 Comments made so far. Add yours...

Opportunities to Learn

Posted in Personal Growth, Relationships by PCraig on March 3, 2011

Can you learn from anyone?  I have the philosophy that I can learn from people smarter than me and those that aren’t.  In other words, there is something to be learned from everyone who comes into your life.  Sometimes it’s a negative lesson to be learned.  I heard about a bumper sticker that read: “Have you ever thought that the purpose of your life was to serve as a warning to others?” 

Instead of thinking, “Why am I wasting time with this person?” consider what God might be helping you learn through them – maybe patience?  Go around looking for opportunities to grow and learn through everyone you meet, and I believe you will!

2 Comments made so far. Add yours...