HOSTAGE! ADDICTION
On September 28, 2008 learn how to BREAK FREE! Or help someone else BREAK FREE from addictions. More information at RestoringHope.com, the Central Assembly in El Sobrante, California website.
Notes About Bitterness
Here’s a very brief excerpt of the message notes from the September 14, 2008 message on BITTERNESS:
Perhaps they will be a help to you or a friend you have. Remember, ALL THINGS are POSSIBLE with God!
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Heb 12:14-15
BITTER PEOPLE
1) Justify their bitterness.
2) Become overly critical.
3) Secretly celebrate misfortunes.
4) Write-off entire groups of people.
5) Struggle to see bitterness in the mirror.
Question: WITH WHOM OR WHAT WHAT ARE YOU BITTER?
HOW DO YOU KILL THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS?
Pull the roots . . .
KILL BITTERNESS WITH FORGIVENESS.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:31-32
Hostage Series Starts Sunday, September 14 — for 5 weeks
It all begins at 10:30 AM each Sunday for 5 weeks. Who will YOU help to break free?
New School vs. Old School — Same Goal
Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, Twitter, and like about 100 others. All social networks, and people by the MILLIONS are embracing them.
Just as interesting is how fickle people can be. Earlier this year, Twitter was having technical difficulties. As a result, several other “micro-blogs” popped up all over the internet. In a way, that’s how we are today. Democrats vs. Republicans vs. Vice President choices. It’s a maddening race for popularity.
Facebook Graphic
Of course, for most of us it comes down to VALUES — what do people and social networks stand for — and where do I fit into their scheme? As a Follower of Christ, I am influenced by a standard, God’s Word, the Bible. It has and continues to shape me. That message does not change or move.
I love it’s anchor. In a world where there are no moral absolutes, where rules change, and where networks of people move around so much, I need that. I have also attempted to live by those standards.
Oh, no, I am not perfect, that’s for sure. However, when I get off course I can look forward and strive toward a finish line that DID NOT move.
It can be confusing to follow the commands on the Bible. In fact there were like 1,630 of them listed. When Jesus was asked which was the most important He brought it down to a level we can all not only understand, but we can RELATE to it.
Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Now THOSE SOCIAL NETWORKS ROCK!
Hostage Series Begins September 14 at 10:30 AM
Make Plans NOW to be a part of this. Invite, Invite, Invite! Reach out to your friends who can either help someone or be set free themselves!
Inspired by Lifechurch.tv
What are You Rebuilding?
I think we all have our “to do” lists. Repairing stuff is either on the top of our agenda or pushed down another notch for another day. It was the same for the people of Nehemiah’s day.
And somehow we never know how it got this bad. BUT THERE COMES A DAY when enough is enough. For Nehemiah, it was the wall that surrounded the city of Jeresalem. He shook up his friends, family, and even the government. The words are recorded like this:
Nehemiah 2:17-18 (The Message — MSG) Then I gave them my report: “Face it: we’re in a bad way here. Jerusalem is a wreck; its gates are burned up. Come—let’s build the wall of Jerusalem and not live with this disgrace any longer.” I told them how God was supporting me and how the king was backing me up.
They said, “We’re with you. Let’s get started.” They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work.
Challenge: Open up YOUR eyes and LOOK around. That’s the first step for all of us, I’m sure of it.
Ordinary Wednesday?
Wednesday is sometimes called “hump day”. It’s an ordinary hum-drum day in the middle of the week that seems long. If we can get through it then the rest of the week is easy, or so goes the thinking.
If I make this an “ordinary” day, nothing will change in my world. This may seem pretty nice to some people, after all, consistency is not always bad.
But I am here to make a difference. God has a calling and plan for my life. That plan is to change the world for His glory. When I stop and think about THAT, then I don’t want today to be ordinary.
My prayer today?
God, show my YOUR way and will for me to somehow have people look in YOUR direction. My eyes and mind are open to what YOU want. I give you PERMISSION to use me as an instrument for YOUR purposes.
Yosemite Fires Bring Me a Reminder
This AP story shows a what is happening near Yosemite National Park. That park is just a few hours from where we live. In fact, we will actually be there next week on vacation.
We love the beauty of God’s creation. We will be doing some 4-wheeling, reading, watching sunsets, and once again we will visit Lake Eleanor — a hidden and pristine lake treasure.
Many years ago, we had a guest Revival Speaker come to our church. Leonard Ravenhill was a brash, straight-shooting, no-way-out kind of preacher. He scared us a little. But the fear was kind of authentic because of what his core message communicated.
The message was pretty simple. In comparison with the Holiness of God — how are we living out our faith? Is it sincere and active and honoring the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY?
Woah, it sure had us praying for a true move of God to be known in our individual lives.
Now for the fire reminder: Leonard Ravenhill was asked to provide promotional materials so we could get more of the public to respond to his visit. You know, we just wanted to advertise the event.
His response? “YOU NEVER HAVE TO ADVERTISE A FIRE!”
And it’s true, fire attracts attention. The attention goes directly to the source of the flames, to the heat and to the available fuel – in this case, believers willing to “burn” in order to keep God’s evidence in clear view.
The Book of John in the Bible
Incredible! That’s about the only way to describe the talk given today by my friend Jonathan Gainsbrugh. His blog is at MarkOfTheFeast.com .
The book of John is much different than Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It is often referred to new followers of Christ to get them started just after making that life-changing decision. The thing about the gospel of John is that it is RRRRR — elational. And Jonathan went through it chapter-by-chapter from the 30,000 ft. level and then zoomed it right into our hearts.
You should read the gospel of John. Check it out for yourself — it is not only an adventure, but could just get YOU really thinking about your own RRRRR — elationship as it relates to Jesus.
July 4 — Fireworks — and Jesus!
It’s the 4th of July weekend here in the USA. It represents FREEDOM.
I love that word, FREEDOM. And I have experienced it first-hand. I have enjoyed this freedom in my work, with my family, on holidays, and in my spiritual walk as well. I have learned a lot about what the term means.
When I think about the founders of this nation, there are many examples where God, faith, and an aspiration live the values of God’s Word was evident. They left us many important lessons that involved listening to each other, but not compromising that moral compass that led them to stop and worship their creator.
The scriptures state that the cornerstone or foundation of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ. Jesus was not a beaten-down-and-defeated-just-a-good-teacher figure in history. Like the buildings all over Washington DC are inscribed with Biblical passages and faith-inspired messages, God wrote His laws on the tablets of our hearts.
I love celebrating. I love FIREWORKS. I love the USA. And most of all, I love JESUS! And there will be that day that I anticipate so often, when He brings a light show that will blast us all into eternity!
For when the Son of Man returns, you will know it beyond all doubt. It will be as evident as the lightning that flashes across the sky. Luke 17:24
Easter is AMAZING!
On Sunday, I will be speaking on the “AMAZING!” life of Jesus Christ. You can’t deny it. History reveals it and the Bible unwraps it even more thoroughly.
The principles, morals, stories, and truths of God’s Word have changed my life. It’s more than positive thinking, adopting a philosophy or learning “religious” terms. When you get really practical and build a true relationship with Jesus, it MUST change you. So now, when I help the poor in a Third-World nation or when I pray for a crying girl on public transit, it makes a lot of sense.
Jesus set the example to LIVE out the life He called into. One that is all about knowing God and making Him known. Meditation doesn’t cut it, being “nice” isn’t enough, and as admirable as social work is — it is nothing — unless you introduce the love that was authored God.
So we celebrate Easter this weekend, and actually take the underlying message of Easter with us daily.
Matthew 12:23 “The crowd was AMAZED. ‘Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?’ . . .
It all Begins on Sunday – SUPERNATURAL
Public always welcome!
We meet each Sunday at 10:30 AM
with a live band and lots of
REAL PEOPLE just like Y-O-U!
Depression and Light and Springtime
You have probably heard of S.A.D. where light deficiency becomes a problem for some people during the low-light become depressed. It is also known as Winter Depression.
Now, I’m not sure this winter and it’s dim and cloudy days had that kind of effect on me, but I have really been glad the past few days here in Northern California. For like 6 or 7 days in a row it has been sunny and mild, like near 70 degrees! Although I love the “seasons” weather-wise, I REALLY love the spring and summer. Mild weather and riding on winding roads on my motorcycle or spending time at the coast are just awesome to me.
Of course we all have these “seasons” in life, too. Dim and cloudy skies, longer nights, colder feelings. They are all there with a time-line that sometimes seems endless. Depressing.
Well, let me leave you with these verses to encourage you. Because I know with faith in God we actually have hope no matter the season. Here you go!
Psalm 30:5 (NLT) … weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalms 112:4 (MSG) Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people— God’s grace and mercy and justice!
True Love — Happy Valentine’s Day!
This is one of the most prolific and poetic ways to say love. God’s Word expresses it so well that it has stood the test of time for some 2000 years.
Have a wonderful time with those special people you love. Make the day count!1 Corinthians 13 (THE MESSAGE)
The Way of Love
(1) If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. (2) If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. (3-7) If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end. 8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
(11) When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
(12) We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
(13) But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Iron, Friendship, Caring, and Comfort in 2008
So, because we’re brothers in the Lord, do something for me. Give me some comfort because of Christ. Philemon 1:20 (GW)
Here is Paul. He has a great friend, Onesimus. And he misses him greatly.
Have you ever had or needed a friend so close that you could actually be yourself? One that KNOWS YOU. One that CARES much about what you are going through. And you care about them, too, right?
2008. No matter what you are going through right now, no matter what you will find yourself in the future — you should never neglect a close friend. We tend to withdraw and to become this “automatic-garage-door” society. We drive in and shut the door. Then we become an island.
But, we are ripping ourselves off when we do that. God created us to be a blessing to Him AND to others. Just like we need a close friend, they need us.
In the coming year, I plan on facilitating more relationships. I want closer friends. And like Paul, I know they can comfort me, refresh me, and keep me all the more alive.
Proverbs 27:17 tells us that we actually sharpen other by our interaction.
Randy Stonehill in Concert — THIS SUNDAY, December 23
Christmas Family Fireside Service
with RANDY STONEHILL
Central Assembly
570 Appian Way (at Argyle Rd)
El Sobrante, CA 94803 — 510.223.2240
http://RestoringHope.com
Public always welcome!
We meet each Sunday at 10:30 AM
with a live band and lots of
REAL PEOPLE just like Y-O-U!
Randy Stonehill will make a very
special appearance this Sunday, December 23!
He will bring Christmas classics as well as some
all-time favorites with his unique acoustic style.
Join us for refreshments, coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider,
and a Cafe’ Hope style that will bring special warmth for the season.
Answer for Feeling Down or Depressed
Ps 5:11 But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.
AMP
Shifting your focus or point of view can be truly life-altering. What if each time we had a crisis, a challenge, or chaos in our lives we would switch our perspective.
Those with faith in God understand what this can mean. Instead of dread or despair, when you think about shelter and/or defense and safety — instead of betrayal we once again trust God — there is an unbelievable release! Now instead of depression our thoughts are alert and optimistic. And you know what??? I totally like the feeling of looking UP instead becoming bogged down by the cares of each day.
Question: Where has your focus been the past 7 days? I give you permission to turn your eyes upward!
FEARLESS?
The FEARLESS series inspired by Lifechurch.tv has been going very well. We are impacting people for God. Many have been talking about how God is speaking to them each week.
We have seen countless commitments to the Lord, both people asking Jesus to become their Lord as well as more and more dedicating a “new” phase of their lives to a deeper walk with Jesus. We are all here to make a difference and to devote our lives to Christ. Along this journey of our lives we face many challenges … and many opportunities.
It’s time to build these relationships with people. It’s time to be bold. It’s time to step into God’s plans — (which, by the way are not for disaster) — and pursue His destiny for us.
Are you timid or afraid things might not work out if you try to do something for Jesus? Well, don’t be. You are not alone in those FEARS and thoughts, they happen to us all. Just hang on and take a risk, you WON’T be sorry, I promise … what’s even much better … GOD PROMISES!
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
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