There are times in our lives when we find ourselves seeking the Lord's will. Let me encourage you that God is in control! Proverbs says:
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
Yes, we should seek God's will in everything we do. More importantly, we should seek to follow God in all we do. We should pursue God - to know Him!
As we live our lives, we formulate plans and develop desires. Even though we want what is best... we still make "our own plans." This proverb reveals the truth that God's purpose will be accomplished. So, don't search for the details of God's plans for your life... Seek His purposes!
And trust Him... He is in control!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
When it rains...
I have heard the phrase "When it rains, it pours" a countless number of times. I have even used this phrase. This phrase is usually shared from a negative perspective. But, think about it... rain helps things grow. Rain helps to produce and sustain life. I have prayed for God to let His presence "rain" on me.
Maybe that should be our prayer... for His presence and power to "rain" on us. This would bring excitement to the phrase "When it rains it pours."
Could you imagine if God's presence was in your life like a powerful rain storm? The pouring rain saturates the ground. Oh, that God's presence and power would SATURATE my life... helping to sustain me, and to help me grow in Him!
Lord, LET IT RAIN!
Maybe that should be our prayer... for His presence and power to "rain" on us. This would bring excitement to the phrase "When it rains it pours."
Could you imagine if God's presence was in your life like a powerful rain storm? The pouring rain saturates the ground. Oh, that God's presence and power would SATURATE my life... helping to sustain me, and to help me grow in Him!
Lord, LET IT RAIN!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
More than a priority
I am learning that I do not need to prioritize God...
As I was talking with a friend yesterday, I reflected on one of his comments. My friend said that he wanted to make God more of a priority in his life. This comment sparked me to share something with him that I have been considering for some time now.
I am learning that, as believers, we do not need to prioritize God. This type of thinking supports a worldview that we are the ultimate masters of our own lives. We can select who and what will be number one in our lives. I feel that when we grapple with this behavior - we are ultimately struggling with "complete surrender" and "whole-hearted devotion" to the Lord.
God's plan is not such that we strive to put Him in the middle of our lives. God's plan is not meant for us to move Him from #1 priority to #2 priority, to #3 priority, and back to #1 again, etc...
Having no other Gods before Him is the context. The reason God is #1 in our lives is not because He is "our" top priority... But, because we are His! God loved us so much that He GAVE His Son to us as a Savior.
So, rather than God being your top priority... let's realize that God is our PARAMETER. Stop trying to make God the center of your life... and start making your life the center of God's will!
God is our parameter! He is the context for our thought life, our behavior, our speech... our entire lives!
It's ALL about Him! So, don't get stuck making God your priority...
MAKE GOD YOUR PARAMETER!
As I was talking with a friend yesterday, I reflected on one of his comments. My friend said that he wanted to make God more of a priority in his life. This comment sparked me to share something with him that I have been considering for some time now.
I am learning that, as believers, we do not need to prioritize God. This type of thinking supports a worldview that we are the ultimate masters of our own lives. We can select who and what will be number one in our lives. I feel that when we grapple with this behavior - we are ultimately struggling with "complete surrender" and "whole-hearted devotion" to the Lord.
God's plan is not such that we strive to put Him in the middle of our lives. God's plan is not meant for us to move Him from #1 priority to #2 priority, to #3 priority, and back to #1 again, etc...
Having no other Gods before Him is the context. The reason God is #1 in our lives is not because He is "our" top priority... But, because we are His! God loved us so much that He GAVE His Son to us as a Savior.
So, rather than God being your top priority... let's realize that God is our PARAMETER. Stop trying to make God the center of your life... and start making your life the center of God's will!
God is our parameter! He is the context for our thought life, our behavior, our speech... our entire lives!
It's ALL about Him! So, don't get stuck making God your priority...
MAKE GOD YOUR PARAMETER!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sir, Yes Sir!
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
HOLY WEEK Devotion
Here is the devotional for HOLY WEEK!
The Passion Week…
Sunday: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-44)
Monday: Jesus curses the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19)
Jesus cleanses the temple (Matthew. 21:12-13)
Tuesday: Jesus’ authority questioned (Luke 20:1-8)
Jesus teaches in the temple (Luke 20:9-21:4)
Jesus anointed (Matthew 26:6-13)
Wednesday: The plot against Jesus (Luke 22:3-6)
Thursday: The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20)
Jesus comforts his disciples (John 14:1-16:33)
Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-46)
Thursday / Friday: Jesus’ arrest and trial (Luke 22:47-23:25)
Friday: The crucifixion (Luke 23:26-49)
Jesus’ burial (Luke 23:50-56)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday: The tomb is empty: JESUS IS ALIVE! (Luke 24:1-12)
The Passion Week…
Sunday: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-44)
Monday: Jesus curses the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19)
Jesus cleanses the temple (Matthew. 21:12-13)
Tuesday: Jesus’ authority questioned (Luke 20:1-8)
Jesus teaches in the temple (Luke 20:9-21:4)
Jesus anointed (Matthew 26:6-13)
Wednesday: The plot against Jesus (Luke 22:3-6)
Thursday: The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20)
Jesus comforts his disciples (John 14:1-16:33)
Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-46)
Thursday / Friday: Jesus’ arrest and trial (Luke 22:47-23:25)
Friday: The crucifixion (Luke 23:26-49)
Jesus’ burial (Luke 23:50-56)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday: The tomb is empty: JESUS IS ALIVE! (Luke 24:1-12)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I am in over my head...
I am in over my head...
I have just completed a sermon series entitle "SATURATE." The result of this sermon series is that it has enabled me to be in over my head. What am I talking about? I have chosen to submit to the Lord, and His power, anointing, and leading at a deeper level.
Using Ezekiel 47, and the illustration of the river: I recognize that there are people who have been on the banks of the river just watching. I have noticed others who are wading in the water - and getting their feet wet regarding the things of God. There are others who are knee deep in it all... and it is no secret that they are followers of Jesus Christ!
Yet, there are others who are waste deep. It is at this level that the river of God starts to really take control. Unaware, I was at this level. I was allowing the river of God to move me... yet, the shore was in still sight! I could swim to the banks of self reliance if I so chose. I could dig my feet into the river's floor and try to stand on my own strength.
During this "SATURATE" sermon series God has directed me to go deeper into His presence. I now feel like I am "in over my head."
I no longer have control of the situations I am in. The church I pastor belongs to God! I am but a steward of HIS church as I shepherd HIS flock!
I am drowning in his presence!
I have already invested more time in prayer this week (and it is only Tuesday) than any week so far in 2010. I am SEEKING HIM!!! I feel like the river of God is in total control of my life! The river of His presence and power will take me where I need to go. I am at the mercy of God!
I love being in His presence! I love being in His will! Lord - give me the strength to continue to obey your leading; to be faithful to your calling; and to fulfill YOUR desires for my life!!!
I have just completed a sermon series entitle "SATURATE." The result of this sermon series is that it has enabled me to be in over my head. What am I talking about? I have chosen to submit to the Lord, and His power, anointing, and leading at a deeper level.
Using Ezekiel 47, and the illustration of the river: I recognize that there are people who have been on the banks of the river just watching. I have noticed others who are wading in the water - and getting their feet wet regarding the things of God. There are others who are knee deep in it all... and it is no secret that they are followers of Jesus Christ!
Yet, there are others who are waste deep. It is at this level that the river of God starts to really take control. Unaware, I was at this level. I was allowing the river of God to move me... yet, the shore was in still sight! I could swim to the banks of self reliance if I so chose. I could dig my feet into the river's floor and try to stand on my own strength.
During this "SATURATE" sermon series God has directed me to go deeper into His presence. I now feel like I am "in over my head."
I no longer have control of the situations I am in. The church I pastor belongs to God! I am but a steward of HIS church as I shepherd HIS flock!
I am drowning in his presence!
I have already invested more time in prayer this week (and it is only Tuesday) than any week so far in 2010. I am SEEKING HIM!!! I feel like the river of God is in total control of my life! The river of His presence and power will take me where I need to go. I am at the mercy of God!
I love being in His presence! I love being in His will! Lord - give me the strength to continue to obey your leading; to be faithful to your calling; and to fulfill YOUR desires for my life!!!
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