Today marks the beginning of our 365 CHALLENGE to read through God’s Word in one year! I hope you will take the challenge. Don’t make it a legalistic journey but rather a journey of JOY and ANTICIPATION of meeting with God every day in His Word and prayer.
Listen to the words of the Psalmist as he describes the benefits to those who READ, MEDITATE ON and OBEY the Word of God.
Ps 1
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or
stand in the way of sinners or
sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish. –NIV
Every journey begins with one step! Reading the entire Bible may seem a formidable task but it is not. It only takes 3 chapters of the Old Testament and ½ chapter of the New Testament…20 minutes a day.
3 ways to join the JOURNEY:
1. Follow the Bible Reading listed in the bulletin each week. This week is Genesis 1-15 and Matthew 1-5:26
2. Google “Bible Reading Plan” and sign up for on the many online resources available
3. Follow your own path, just make sure to read at least 3 OT chapters and ½ NT chapter
Enjoy the JOURNEY and have a GREAT WEEK!
Blessings,
Darren & Toyie
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Think Great Thoughts
As you head into the weekend here are some AREAS in your life to CULTIVATE Great Thinking…
-Think Great Thoughts about God
Isa 55:8-9
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth ,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. NIV
*A High View of God will lift your faith, enlarge your heart and expand
your expectations
-Think Great Thoughts about Yourself
*Insecurity and Low Self Esteem in pandemic in our culture
-our whole society/economy is based on making you feel inferior
1 John 4:18
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. -NIV
*I've said often 2nd only to love for Christ, the greatest work of God's Spirit in my life has been finding peace with myself - I am OK, I am loved
-Think Great Thoughts about Others
*How would our attitude change if we would learn to look beyond the externals and tried to see people as God sees them???
1 Sam 16:7
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -NIV
*Our love and compassion for others greatly increases as we look to the inside of people rather than the outside - dress, appearance, behavior, status
-Think Great Thoughts about Life
-Eph. 2:10 - Life has a HIGH purpose - bringing God glory through Good Works
*not stuff, status, possessions, accomplishments,
-Solomon in Ecclesiastes "meaningless" is life not focused on God
-Think Great Thoughts about the Future
*worry and anxiety ROB Peace & Joy
Jer 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - NIV
*God has a plan for your life & you can TRUST Him
-Think Great Thoughts about the Past
*God is not 3 strikes and you are out
-a lot of people struggle letting go of the past
Ps 103:12
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. NIV
-Think Great Thoughts about the Challenges
*You are NOT a victim, you are not powerless
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -NIV
*Nothing you are facing can keep you from growing in God's GRACE &
PROVISION
Blessings,
Darren
-Think Great Thoughts about God
Isa 55:8-9
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth ,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. NIV
*A High View of God will lift your faith, enlarge your heart and expand
your expectations
-Think Great Thoughts about Yourself
*Insecurity and Low Self Esteem in pandemic in our culture
-our whole society/economy is based on making you feel inferior
1 John 4:18
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. -NIV
*I've said often 2nd only to love for Christ, the greatest work of God's Spirit in my life has been finding peace with myself - I am OK, I am loved
-Think Great Thoughts about Others
*How would our attitude change if we would learn to look beyond the externals and tried to see people as God sees them???
1 Sam 16:7
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -NIV
*Our love and compassion for others greatly increases as we look to the inside of people rather than the outside - dress, appearance, behavior, status
-Think Great Thoughts about Life
-Eph. 2:10 - Life has a HIGH purpose - bringing God glory through Good Works
*not stuff, status, possessions, accomplishments,
-Solomon in Ecclesiastes "meaningless" is life not focused on God
-Think Great Thoughts about the Future
*worry and anxiety ROB Peace & Joy
Jer 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - NIV
*God has a plan for your life & you can TRUST Him
-Think Great Thoughts about the Past
*God is not 3 strikes and you are out
-a lot of people struggle letting go of the past
Ps 103:12
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. NIV
-Think Great Thoughts about the Challenges
*You are NOT a victim, you are not powerless
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -NIV
*Nothing you are facing can keep you from growing in God's GRACE &
PROVISION
Blessings,
Darren
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What's Your MENTAL DIET?
What do you spend your time thinking on, meditating on, listening to, talking about…what kinds of things feed your mind??? Our culture can be so smart and deliberate about physical nutrition and health. Watching fat, counting calories, monitoring blood pressure, limiting salt, watching what is eaten, intentional about exercise. However, most people are completely careless about what enters their mind, giving little thought to what they hear, see, watch or listen to.
1 Tim 4:8
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. -NIV
Paul’s words to young Timothy were a powerful reminder that while physical health is important we cannot be mindless about the spiritual, intellectual and emotional content of the ideas we consume!
Wrong Thinking > negative emotions > unwise behavior > devastating consequences
Right Thinking > positive emotions > wise behavior > fruitful consequences
If you want to cultivate the kind of thinking that will unleash God’s greatest potential in your life you will need to learn to pay attention to your Mental Diet! Where Do Great Thoughts Come From?
START WITH SCRIPTURE –
-Not just reading the Word but letting it GET INTO YOU. Spend time thinking on scripture, not just when you are reading but throughout the day. Worry (rehearsing negative thoughts over and over) is a form of meditation. Use that same energy to meditate on Scripture instead!
DWELL ON GREAT TRUTHS-
-Great thoughts challenge us, ignite us, and stir us. Lift us above the mundane, simple, materialistic and mindlessness. I read this quote this morning
“Life is not measured by longevity but quality” – Martin Luther King
-Your mind is going to be filled with something. Why not great thoughts instead of gossip, sitcoms, CNN, youtube or facebook!
TAKE TIME TO NOTICE BEAUTY-
-I’ve noticed something since moving back to the city…the stars don’t shine as bright.
Ps 19:1
19 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. NIV
-Get outside the borders on concrete and street lights: strip malls and flat screen TVs
-Spend some time outdoors, God will speak to you through His creation
MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL TRUTHS-
-What spiritual insights or truths has God revealed to you by His Spirit? The more you dwell on God’s promises for you the more they become apart of you.
-Spiritual Truths have incredible transforming power in the lives of those who reject the world’s view or opinion and instead meditate on what God has said to them
Remember, thinking great thoughts is a matter of practice and developing healthy habits. INTENTIONALLY decide seek God’s highest and best purposes for your life.
Blessings,
Darren
1 Tim 4:8
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. -NIV
Paul’s words to young Timothy were a powerful reminder that while physical health is important we cannot be mindless about the spiritual, intellectual and emotional content of the ideas we consume!
Wrong Thinking > negative emotions > unwise behavior > devastating consequences
Right Thinking > positive emotions > wise behavior > fruitful consequences
If you want to cultivate the kind of thinking that will unleash God’s greatest potential in your life you will need to learn to pay attention to your Mental Diet! Where Do Great Thoughts Come From?
START WITH SCRIPTURE –
-Not just reading the Word but letting it GET INTO YOU. Spend time thinking on scripture, not just when you are reading but throughout the day. Worry (rehearsing negative thoughts over and over) is a form of meditation. Use that same energy to meditate on Scripture instead!
DWELL ON GREAT TRUTHS-
-Great thoughts challenge us, ignite us, and stir us. Lift us above the mundane, simple, materialistic and mindlessness. I read this quote this morning
“Life is not measured by longevity but quality” – Martin Luther King
-Your mind is going to be filled with something. Why not great thoughts instead of gossip, sitcoms, CNN, youtube or facebook!
TAKE TIME TO NOTICE BEAUTY-
-I’ve noticed something since moving back to the city…the stars don’t shine as bright.
Ps 19:1
19 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. NIV
-Get outside the borders on concrete and street lights: strip malls and flat screen TVs
-Spend some time outdoors, God will speak to you through His creation
MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL TRUTHS-
-What spiritual insights or truths has God revealed to you by His Spirit? The more you dwell on God’s promises for you the more they become apart of you.
-Spiritual Truths have incredible transforming power in the lives of those who reject the world’s view or opinion and instead meditate on what God has said to them
Remember, thinking great thoughts is a matter of practice and developing healthy habits. INTENTIONALLY decide seek God’s highest and best purposes for your life.
Blessings,
Darren
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Which Train are YOU On?
What you spend your time thinking on has a direct effect on your life.
Prov 23:7
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" -KJV
Our concept of reality is shaped by our thought life. Billions of dollars is spent each year on counseling, medication, training groups, teaching materials, to try to get our moods, feelings and/or behavior back on course.
Over nearly 20 years of ministry I can attest that most of the time beneath the behavior or emotions, lies the greater need…a PATTERN OF THINKING THAT NEEDS CHANGED!
Picture a TRAIN. Our thinking is the Engine, which pulls the car of emotions, which connects to the car of behavior which ends with the caboose of consequences.
Wrong Thinking > negative emotions > unwise behavior > devastating consequences
Right Thinking > positive emotions > wise behavior > fruitful consequences
Where ever your thought life leads, your emotions and behavior will follow! DO NOT underestimate the power of your thought life. Choose wisely which train you will get on!
God invites us to a life of higher thinking! God invites us to a life of RADICAL TRANSFORMATION through the power of His Spirit and His Word RENEWING our mind (Rom 12:1-2).
A renewed mind comes by filling it with Great Thoughts!
Phil 4:6-9
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. NIV
A spiritually trained mind will TRANSFORM our emotions and behavior in line with God's will and desire for our life. Are you struggling with your emotions or behavior??? Take a look at your thought life. What is your mental diet??? Which train are you on???
Trade in your train ticket. Exit off Wrong Thinking and HOP ON BOARD Right Thinking. The destination is life-changing!
Find out more this Sunday as we continue our series…GOOD TO GREAT.
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Darren
Prov 23:7
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" -KJV
Our concept of reality is shaped by our thought life. Billions of dollars is spent each year on counseling, medication, training groups, teaching materials, to try to get our moods, feelings and/or behavior back on course.
Over nearly 20 years of ministry I can attest that most of the time beneath the behavior or emotions, lies the greater need…a PATTERN OF THINKING THAT NEEDS CHANGED!
Picture a TRAIN. Our thinking is the Engine, which pulls the car of emotions, which connects to the car of behavior which ends with the caboose of consequences.
Wrong Thinking > negative emotions > unwise behavior > devastating consequences
Right Thinking > positive emotions > wise behavior > fruitful consequences
Where ever your thought life leads, your emotions and behavior will follow! DO NOT underestimate the power of your thought life. Choose wisely which train you will get on!
God invites us to a life of higher thinking! God invites us to a life of RADICAL TRANSFORMATION through the power of His Spirit and His Word RENEWING our mind (Rom 12:1-2).
A renewed mind comes by filling it with Great Thoughts!
Phil 4:6-9
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. NIV
A spiritually trained mind will TRANSFORM our emotions and behavior in line with God's will and desire for our life. Are you struggling with your emotions or behavior??? Take a look at your thought life. What is your mental diet??? Which train are you on???
Trade in your train ticket. Exit off Wrong Thinking and HOP ON BOARD Right Thinking. The destination is life-changing!
Find out more this Sunday as we continue our series…GOOD TO GREAT.
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Darren
Monday, January 3, 2011
TOP 10 Predictions for 2011
10. The Bible will still have all the answers
9. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth
8. The Holy Spirit will still move
7. God will still honor the praises of His people
6. There will still be God-anointed preaching
5. There will still be singing of praise to God
4. God will still pour out blessings upon His people
3. There will still be room at the Cross
2. Jesus will still love you
1. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him
Isn't it great to remember who is really in control and that "the Word of the Lord endures forever" (1 Pet 1:25)
In a world of uncertainty, be encouraged, some things NEVER CHANGE!!!
Blessings,
Darren
PS. A friend sent me this top 10 last week. Enjoy!
9. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth
8. The Holy Spirit will still move
7. God will still honor the praises of His people
6. There will still be God-anointed preaching
5. There will still be singing of praise to God
4. God will still pour out blessings upon His people
3. There will still be room at the Cross
2. Jesus will still love you
1. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him
Isn't it great to remember who is really in control and that "the Word of the Lord endures forever" (1 Pet 1:25)
In a world of uncertainty, be encouraged, some things NEVER CHANGE!!!
Blessings,
Darren
PS. A friend sent me this top 10 last week. Enjoy!
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