Every person on the planet has needs. Whether we recognize it or not - every person has spiritual needs. The need for salvation, the need for spiritual growth, the need for intimacy with God. We have needs of restoration, healing, provision, guidance; and the list goes on.
Last week as I was seeking God I was challenged to consider how I model the pursuit of God. I strive to seek Him first. My goal as I pray is to honor God, and to know Him more. I also bring my requests before the Lord as I approach the throne-room with boldness.
Again - my thought became: "How am I modeling my pursuit of God?" I want to share one of the truths that God settled in my heart.
Often times we pray for God to do things "FOR" us. We pray for Him to offer wisdom, guidance, provision, healing, restoration, etc... This is Biblical to pray for these things!
However, my recommendation is not only to pray that God would work "IN" me (as referred to above); but also "THROUGH" me.
Do not just pray - "Lord, what will you do in me..." But, pray: "LORD, WHAT DO YOU DESIRE TO DO WITH ME."
We are all soldiers in the God's army. It is as if God is giving us marching orders. What are your marching orders from God? What is your assignment?
We have assignments that are general and long lasting. Some of us have assignments that place us in certain geographical locations - and for decades. However, we also have daily "marching orders" (assignments) from the Lord.
What is God doing "WITH" your life - TODAY?
Let's not just strive for fulfillment - strive for OBEDIENCE. And, obedience (through complete surrender) will produce the fulfillment and abundance that only God can offer.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Kids flock to minister as well as Easter Bunny at fest
Church's Easter event a hit
Kids flock to minister as well as Easter Bunny at fest
April 4, 2010
BY MICHELLE L. QUINN , POST-TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT
SCHERERVILLE -- The Easter Bunny made his annual appearance at the Harvest Ridge Church's ninth annual Easter Fun Fest at the St. John Township Community Center, but 8-year-old Ricky Paz had more important people on which to bestow his admiration.
Ricky, at the Saturday celebration with Mom Julie and brother, Tony, 4, waited for the Rev. Michael Smith to finish emceeing the affair, then marched right up to him to let him know that Smith is "the funniest man" he knows.
"I came here to see Pastor Mike and have a fun time," Ricky said, gripping raffle tickets as if they were gold. "I won three Easter baskets at other things. Not here, but I didn't really care."
Smith smiled at Ricky's compliment, happy he got the young man's attention but happier the event was still so packed. Close to 800 people passed through the center for games, visiting with the rabbit and finding out a little more about his church.
"This event exposes the community to our church and broadcasts our core values," Smith said. "This is a great opportunity for families to get together.
"Plus, it's a free community event for everyone."
Even those who belong to other churches, like Nathan Stevens, 12, of Schererville. Nathan also sought out Smith, only he wanted to find out about his winnings after he won the cup-stacking game.
Cup-stacking, where players stack a group of plastic cups in various patterns as fast as they can, was a new event added to this year's fest, along with Rascal the RailCat and a visit from Schererville's Police, Fire and Emergency Services Departments, Smith said.
"My mom goes to (another program held at the center during the week), and she heard that there was going to be a stacking contest," Nathan explained. "I won three different times."
Harvest Ridge Church currently holds Sunday services at the Community Center but is working on building its church on 10 acres it owns in town, Smith said.
Kids flock to minister as well as Easter Bunny at fest
April 4, 2010
BY MICHELLE L. QUINN , POST-TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT
SCHERERVILLE -- The Easter Bunny made his annual appearance at the Harvest Ridge Church's ninth annual Easter Fun Fest at the St. John Township Community Center, but 8-year-old Ricky Paz had more important people on which to bestow his admiration.
Ricky, at the Saturday celebration with Mom Julie and brother, Tony, 4, waited for the Rev. Michael Smith to finish emceeing the affair, then marched right up to him to let him know that Smith is "the funniest man" he knows.
"I came here to see Pastor Mike and have a fun time," Ricky said, gripping raffle tickets as if they were gold. "I won three Easter baskets at other things. Not here, but I didn't really care."
Smith smiled at Ricky's compliment, happy he got the young man's attention but happier the event was still so packed. Close to 800 people passed through the center for games, visiting with the rabbit and finding out a little more about his church.
"This event exposes the community to our church and broadcasts our core values," Smith said. "This is a great opportunity for families to get together.
"Plus, it's a free community event for everyone."
Even those who belong to other churches, like Nathan Stevens, 12, of Schererville. Nathan also sought out Smith, only he wanted to find out about his winnings after he won the cup-stacking game.
Cup-stacking, where players stack a group of plastic cups in various patterns as fast as they can, was a new event added to this year's fest, along with Rascal the RailCat and a visit from Schererville's Police, Fire and Emergency Services Departments, Smith said.
"My mom goes to (another program held at the center during the week), and she heard that there was going to be a stacking contest," Nathan explained. "I won three different times."
Harvest Ridge Church currently holds Sunday services at the Community Center but is working on building its church on 10 acres it owns in town, Smith said.
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