Another Ahhhha Moment -

Sunday we honored the graduates and Bruce brought a great message - not only did he encourage the youth and speak life into them, he brought forth great nuggets of truth to the body. In his message he made a statement that caught my attenetion. It did so because, I had said the same thing to Donald recently. He said the church is in danger of becoming, "just another church on the corner". Seriously, I shared my fears with Donald using those same words. I said, "If we don't continue to seek God's directions, we will become just another church on the corner". I say all of this to say - everywhere I go I sense overwhelmed, exhausted people. Sometimes I want to just scream - STOP - REFOCUS! I find myself getting caught up in the busyness of this crazy world, forgetting my purpose and calling here. My heart hurts when I see relationships stuggleing and I miss real, heartfelt conversations with friends and family. Back to my point.........the thought of becoming just another church on the corner, stirred me. What must we do to prevent this from happening?

1. Keep the main thing the main thing - Jesus - The Kingdom of God!
2. Don't sweat the small stuff!
3. Make the most of every conversation, meeting, divine encounter!
4. Every moment spent in the presence of God is preparation and empowerment for what is to
come!
5. My responses deeply effect those I come in contact with!
6. Do not fear man!
7. Don't create anything we've seen before-Walk confidently in the vision God gives!
8. Relationship over Programs - Don't get so caught up in my agenda that I miss opportunity for
building, renewing, and restoring relationship!
9. Worship him - seek His direction - Know who I am in Him!
10. Lighten up on yourself! There is Joy in His Presence and Power to overcome!

Basicly.... we won't become "another church on the corner", if we Seek first the Kingdom of God, (Matthew 6:33)

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.


Psalm 27:3-5 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.


THOSE HE CALLS - HE EQUIPS- DO NOT LOOSE HEART!

Break Out

Did you ever play the video game - "Break Out"? In my time of seeking the Lords Word today - I visioned playing this game. My first thought was - "how silly". Usually when I get these visions I know that there must be a something God is telling me. Consider this thought HE gave me - In the game, "break out", you use your mouse to control a cursor that connects with a ball that busts through a brick wall. When all of the bricks are gone, you move to the next level. The speed increases and the game becomes more difficult. I'm sure you get the picture now. We begin by getting in the rhythm of the game. The first level isn't too tough. The next level gets more intense....and the next more so. In the game there is no great reward, nor help to finish the game. The success of the game depends on my ability and hand eye coordination. Thank you Lord, my walk in the Spirit is not dependent upon my ability. As I surrender and choose to walk in your grace, I walk on with your ability and your strength ~each new level intensifies, but I am not alone. To You, In You and through You we are equipped to boldly conquer each new level and confidently walk out destiny. Two scriptures come to mind -

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you; and when you walk through the fire,you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Kingdom living often requires risks - stepping into relationship with others following His call can seem like you have stepped into a torrential rapid that requires much effort; stepping into your calling may seem lonely, others don't always jump in the boat with you and you may feel the ores are too heavy and the rapids too strong for you alone. Know that we are never alone in the calling He gives us. He will provide all we need to succeed and move to the next level. He raises us up to new heights of maturity and His ability rests on us.

Don't be afraid of the unfamiliar - moving from one level to another is a courageous act of trust!
Break out - come forth into your destiny!