Duties for June 1 2008

A.M. Announcements: YH
Songs: MC
Reading: – RC àEphesians 4:1-6
Lord’s Table: KN & ME
Lesson: EC
Opening Prayer: KE
Closing Prayer: LG

P.M. Announcements: YH
Songs: BM
Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Lords’ Table: KN
Lesson: EC
Opening Prayer: PC
Closing Prayer: YH

The Blessing Of Others

READ 1 Peter 1:22
If we responded simply out of our natural impulses, we would probably be nice when people were kind. At other times, though, we would likely be vengeful, angry, or hurtful.Jesus clearly teaches us to love even when those around us seem unlovable. And He lived out what He taught. Christ loved us enough to die for us while we were still sinners. Surely, out of gratitude for what He did and with His strength, we, as His followers, can love others.While it’s hard to respond to unkindness with love, such godly behavior can lead to great blessing.
First, the Father is pleased. This realization should bring His children joy, peace, and a sense of accomplishment. Next, believers ought to feel excitement and anticipation to watch how God will move in the relationship. Finally, there will be an awareness the Holy Spirit is working from within, enabling divine love to flow through yielded human lives.John 13:35 tells of an important benefit. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Since unconditional godly love is uncommon in our world, people will notice.Treating others as we want to be treated is what builds the deep, satisfying connections that all people desire. Without significant relationships, life lacks meaning…regardless of how many possessions or acquaintances we have. So think about the people you come in contact with throughout the week. Are you treating them the way that Jesus modeled?
This is a very good way to start our mornings!
In Love
Eric C

Dealing With Fear.

READ Phillipians 4:6
Not only is anxiety an uncomfortable feeling, it also leads to negative consequences. Reasoning becomes cloudy when overwhelmed with worry. So an anxious person will have trouble making wise decisions.

Fear of failure may also lead to procrastination or a lack of productivity. Apprehensions can devastate personal and spiritual growth, relationships, and work. So conquering fear is important. Four steps can help.

First, you need to identify the fear. Ask yourself about the circumstances surrounding your feelings and what triggered them. What message are you telling yourself? Then turn to the Lord.

Remember, God loves you and desires an intimate relationship with you. He’s in sovereign control of your situation, so bring your fear to Him.You should rebuke the fear before God. You have the authority and power in Jesus’ name to reject what isn’t from Him.

Meditate on passages such as Matthew 10:31 and Proverbs 1:33. Let God’s truth replace any wrong thinking.

Finally, cling to your heavenly Father. Take your focus off your circumstances, and look to the One who promises His help. Scripture from Isaiah 41:10 gives this assurance: “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”.

Circumstances are external and often beyond your control. But your response originates within. It’s amazing how fears diminish in the Father’s presence.

Amen!

In Love

Eric C

Worth The Wait

READ 2 Timothy 1:7
Throughout Scripture, the Lord gives us evidence that many people deal with anxiety, even those considered pillars of faith. For example, we can deduce from Acts 18:9 that the apostle Paul must have felt fear, since God instructed Him not to be afraid “any longer”.The fact that fear is common, however, does not mean it’s from God. Of course, certain situations… like hearing a loud noise when we’re alone… will trigger a frightened response. But the Lord doesn’t want us to live with ongoing anxiety.Common worries include the fear of death, poverty, illness, old age, criticism, and the loss of a loved one or something cherished. Why do we find it so hard to let go of our concerns, even when the Lord clearly states in Luke 12, “Do not fear . . .”?

Worry can be deeply ingrained in the way we think. Sometimes we have unhealthy thought patterns that stem from feelings of inadequacy, a sense of guilt, or a mistaken view of God.

It’s not uncommon for insecurity in childhood to develop into a lack of confidence later on.

Life experiences can be another factor. A person who’s lost a parent suddenly in a car accident is likely to struggle with worry. Regardless of the cause, anxiety will take our eyes off our loving heavenly Father and focus our attention on our circumstances. No wonder God repeatedly reminds us not to fear. He wants His children to feel secure in His capability and trustworthiness.

I hope that this thought can help us to trust in the Lord every day, every morning and evening.

God is our only source of help and relief.

In Love

Eric C

How To Handle Our Pride

READ 1 Samuel 24:1-22
Pride causes us to think we can manage life’s situations ourselves and make our own plans. The first two kings of Israel, Saul and David, illustrate different approaches to handling pride.Saul’s high opinion of himself resulted in decisions that were contrary to the Lord’s demand. Saul defeated the Philistines. As king, Saul reasoned he should take some spoils of war. But God had said otherwise. 1 Samuel 15:15 says when confronted by Samuel, the king replied his plan was “to sacrifice the animals to the LORD”. God saw through his words to a heart of pride. If self-centeredness controls our thinking, we’ll seek ways around divine commands to serve ourselves. When caught, we may try to justify our disobedience, as Saul did.Israel’s second king, David, was chosen while Saul was still on the throne. David demonstrated a willingness to wait for God to initiate his actual reign. He endured Saul’s jealous rages and murder attempts but wouldn’t retaliate. David refused to seize the throne when he had the opportunity. He didn’t allow pride to dominate his thinking. Later, he coveted another man’s wife and committed adultery, but his humbled heart prompted repentance.To prevent prideful behavior, we must refuse to act independently of the Lord. Like David, we should handle self-centeredness by turning to God in confession. David’s sins were forgiven. But Saul never admitted he’d made any mistakes. His actions led to his downfall.

Thank you Lord for helping us to undestand meeknes and to depend on you not in us!

In Love

Eric C.

Waiting For God.

READ Psalm 27:14
Good morning brethern,

Our culture is an “instant” society.

Because of inventions like the computer and the microwave, we’re used to quick results. A fast pace isn’t necessarily bad, but we should guard against becoming so set on immediate fulfillment that we can’t wait for God’s timing.

This problem existed long before the computer age. In Genesis 15:4-5, God revealed to Abraham that though he and his wife Sarah were too old to have children, a great nation would come from him. Abraham believed God but soon decided to handle matters himself. He took Sarah’s servant Hagar as his wife so she could bear the promised son.Abraham probably rationalized his decision, figuring the Lord wanted him to have a son. Since it seemed impossible any other way, surely this must be what God wanted him to do! But it wasn’t. Abraham had to deal with the consequences of his actions, including jealousy and resentment between Sarah and Hagar. These problems in turn created further difficulties, both in the short term and throughout history.The Lord was faithful, though. 14 years later, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. But, the consequences of Abraham’s decision to step out of God’s plan are still with us. The two boys grew to become the fathers of nations which are in conflict to this very day.Like Abraham, we might believe God’s promises but prefer immediate results. Or we may just want things done our way. Instead, ask the Lord to lead you. Then wait for Him. His way may not be what you think you want, but it is always best.
Can you trust in Him?

In Love

Eric C

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

The Bible says "all have sinned" (Rom. 3:23). Thus, all need the saving power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16).

In Acts 2:37 the Jews on the day of Pentecost asked the question, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Since these men were unsaved at the time they asked this question we know that man must do something in order to be saved.

What is it that we must do?
1) Hear Christ. Since God has spoken unto us in these last days by his son (Heb. 1:1-2) it is Him we must hear (Matt. 17:5). According to Paul in Romans 10:17, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Since one cannot please God without faith (Heb. 11:6) we must first hear the gospel of Christ.
2) Believe in Christ. Jesus said in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." We must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Jn. 8:24; 20:31).
3) Repent. In Acts 17:30 we learn God commands all men everywhere to repent. True repentance involves confessing one’s sins to God (Acts 8:22, 1 Jn. 1:9) and turning away from them (Matt. 21:28-30).
4) Confess Christ. A good example of this confession is when the Ethiopian confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37). Timothy made this confession in the presence of many witnesses (1 Tim. 6:12). Confession is made unto (in order to) salvation (Rom. 10:10); one cannot be saved without it.
5) Be Baptized. Jesus said in Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…" Jesus placed baptism between the sinner and salvation. That is why every example of conversion in the New Testament involved folks being baptized (Acts 2-19). Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), is immersion in water (Acts 8:38-39, Rom. 6:4, Col. 2:12), puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:27), and into the one body (1 Cor. 12:13), which is the church (Col. 1:24) that Jesus purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Have you submitted to this baptism?
6) Live Faithfully. We are taught to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). The crown of life is promised only to those remaining steadfast and faithful (Col. 1:22-23; Rev. 2:10).
Why not submit to God’s plan of salvation today? "Behold; now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2).

If we can assist you, please contact us.

276-8088

3977557

In Love

Eric C

A.M. Announcements: Yvon Hotte
Songs: MC
Reading: DL - 2 Cor 11:22-28
Lord’s Table: TC; KK

Lesson: EC
Opening Prayer: TC
Closing Prayer: RG
P.M. Announcements: YH
Songs: EC
Reading: Many Men.

Lords’ Table: TC
Lesson: Singing night
Opening Prayer: KK
Closing Prayer: TC

The Process of Forgiveness...

READ Ephesians 4:30-32
No doubt, you've been hurt. Most likely, someone you loved and trusted did something unthinkable. Perhaps it was so devastating that it changed your whole perspective on that person. If that's the case, you have a choice. You can either wallow in self-pity, pain, and anger, or you can forgive. Forgiveness is the act of giving up the resentment we have toward someone-along with the desire to retaliate. It involves three important steps.
First, we must release the general feeling of resentment. That is, we must make a decision not to suffer in our pain. This can be difficult! Many people seem to enjoy holding on to self-pity or a sense of martyrdom. They may believe it's just their lot in life to suffer. But that's not true. You can choose to move past it.

Second, forgiveness means we must surrender specific feelings of resentment toward a particular individual. We must let go of our anger at being hurt and seek to restore the broken relationship.

Third, we lay down all claims to revenge. You cannot forgive someone with your words while secretly wishing him or her harm. True forgiveness seeks the other person's good, not punishment. Someone with a forgiving attitude may say something like this:

"Though you hurt me, I choose to forgive you. I won't dwell on this. And, I won't allow it to destroy my life or my attitude. I won't spend one minute plotting revenge. You are God's precious child, and I love you."

Truly forgiving another person carries a price. But without a doubt, the rewards are greater. Unleash the power of forgiveness in your life today.

Look at Jesus and He will help you...

In Love

Eric C

The Reality Of God's Love

READ 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
Perhaps you feel some past sin keeps God from loving you. If that's the case, think about Paul, a man who violently persecuted Christians before finally turning to the Lord. Paul says God loves you. Do you believe him?Maybe you're someone who wonders how a loving God could allow you to be hurt or abused. Paul endured beatings and imprisonment for preaching the Gospel. And he says God loves you. Do you believe him?

It's possible you feel alone and unlovable. Paul was abandoned by friends, and even shipwrecked. He says God loves you. Do you believe him?

Regardless of your experiences, the apostle Paul probably experienced something you can relate to. But he kept spreading his message of hope, which was God loves us and sent His Son to die for our sins.The situation we find ourselves in may be unfair, painful, or humiliating. But the fact it happened doesn't mean God stopped loving us. Sometimes, we face difficulty because He's polishing our rough edges and molding us into His image. Other challenges are instigated by Satan, but the Lord's permissive will allows them. As Romans 8:28 says, God works everything out to our good, according to His purpose for our life.The key to accepting the truth of God's love is to focus attention on Him rather than your circumstances. When you're learning, talking, and sharing you life with Him, trust and faith naturally replace doubt and fear.
The love of God is real and He wants you to be part of it.

Will you?

In Love

Eric C

As we already mentioned , the "Memorial" for our beloved sister Pam Bassett will be this coming Friday at 7:30 PM at

Ogden House Senior Club
2102 69th Av S.E
Phone number is 279-2003.
We will be gathering this coming Friday to sing songs of praise to Our Lord, for prayers and also to meditate on the Bible concerning the topic of death.
If you have any pictures of Pam, please send it to Michelle or Cathy so that they can include it in the Power Presentation.
If you want more information regaring the gathering, please don't hesitate to contact our two sisters above for any details...
Thank you for your help and support.
In Christ
Eric C

Building Solid Friendships

READ Ephesians 6:7-8
Friendships are among our most valuable assets. Acquiring quality companions, who laugh with us in good times and stand by us during trials, requires shared commitment and an investment of time and energy.
We must be transparent and be honest with friends and encourage them to be truthful in return. To preserve a healthy bond, we can’t hide hurts or feelings of rejection they may have caused. Transparency that is tied to accountability can also help make each individual a better person. A solid relationship allows each party to gently point out errors in the other’s life and offer loving correction.
Genuine friendship takes time to develop. We must be willing to put aside other obligations and give priority to moments spent together. A generous portion of our time with each other should be spent talking about our thoughts and desires and also asking questions to prompt our friend to open up. This type of conversation allows a glimpse into the other person’s heart and mind.
Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Expressing thanks when friends are helpful will remind them that we’re grateful to have them in our life. We affirm our love when we communicate how much we enjoy a certain aspect of their personality or remember an occasion that’s special to them.
Being a good friend is a way to serve the Lord. He designed us to be in relationship with others, so we should give our best to every companion God places in our life.
Do you have a good friend? If you don', look at Jesus, he can be you best and incomprable friend.
Thanks
In Love
Eric C

Obedience: The Key to God's Heart

READ Matthew 12:1-7
You may be familiar with the phrase "holding the key to someone's heart." It means we know what will make someone else happy, and we do those things because we want him or her to feel loved.
Believers hold the key to God's heart. If we want to please Him and show Him our love, we will be obedient to all He commands.
The most important principle for living is submission to God's will. Every other discipline of the Christian life-whether it's worship, devotion, good works, or humility-springs out of obedience. For this reason, Scripture tells us in Hosea 6:6 to love loyalty more than sacrifice. We can't live successfully before God without obeying Him.
Some Christians get caught up in doing everything "by the book," thinking their spiritual actions will prove how faithful they are. They follow all the rules, frown upon those who don't, and feel very pleased with themselves for making it so easy for the Lord to love them. But good behavior designed to impress others doesn't honor God. He wants Christians to act out of love for Him, not out of conceit.
Obedience is more than following a list of rules. A wise believer is, first of all, in touch with the Lord daily to discover His will. Secondly, a mature Christian is committed to obeying whatever he or she is called to do.
Good works and acts of worship may convince the world we are faithful to God. But the Lord knows our intentions. Only through honoring him with our daily obedience can we unlock His heart.
It will be very different if we all learn to undestand this priciple. The church, our families, our friends, etc... they all will be different.
Make sure that everything you do, you do it for the Lord.
In Love
Eric C.

Enjoying The Future

READ 1 Corinthians 9:24
Many believers are in the midst of a crisis of faith. They desperately desire to move forward in their Christian walk. But, instead, they continually feel as if they're losing ground because of trials and setbacks. How can we move beyond the obstacles and genuinely embrace an active, moving faith?
First, we must understand the importance of assurance. This godly confidence gives us strength to look into the future and see how the Lord's plans will be beneficial. Assurance calms our fears. It reminds us God is in charge and His purposes will be accomplished; no matter what challenges we face.
Second, we must live a life of anticipation. In other words, if we truly believe the heavenly Father will answer our Spirit-led prayers, then we should act as if we believe it! We need to wait expectantly for His answer and plan accordingly.
For example, let's say you're leaving for a wonderful vacation next week. You would no doubt be making preparations for the trip. You'd start to pack, finalize your travel plans, secure time off from work, and check travel magazines or the Internet for interesting tourist attractions. In your mind, you're already enjoying your vacation, even though you haven't left yet!
The same thing should be true in your walk of faith. When you trust that God will faithfully and graciously respond to your petitions, you can rejoice. You'll know He'll make a way, even before you see the results. This is the power of assurance and anticipation. And it can revolutionize your walk with Him.
In order to obtain what we ask for, we MUST believe and trust in The Lord.
Enjoy your days as a Christians and trust God, for He will do great things in your life.
In Love
Eric C.

Laboring For God

READ John 12:20-26
Good morning Northside.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be living extensions of His life. In other words, we are to be people through whom the Holy Spirit is carrying out the Lord’s work. Following Jesus’ example, we must:
• Learn how to live as God’s servants. We need to let go of control over our time, talent, and treasure, and accept our commission to work in His kingdom. Like our Savior, we are not to act independently (John 5:19). Our assignment is to do whatever God asks of us.
• Be ready to answer His call to aid others.There’s a natural desire to limit our circle to people like ourselves, but we must fight against this inclination. God asks that we reach out to offer help wherever there’s a need—for strangers as well as for individuals we know. Strengthening our relationship with the Lord will help us to recognize and act on the opportunities He has placed before us.
• Motivate one another to good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). We’re to spur each other on to choose godliness and service over worldly pleasure and self-centeredness. Believers are to foster in each other attitudes of gratefulness for what He has done and confidence about what He will do in and through their lives.
Good works are not the means of salvation, but they do affect eternal rewards. At the judgment seat of Christ, believers will be evaluated for what they did on earth. Deeds done without direction from God will be burned up; those accomplished in obedience to the Spirit’s call will be rewarded (1 Corinthians 3:15).
Let your love for God stimulate you to labor in His kingdom.
Everyday that goes by if you plan and do the work of the Lord, will be a day lived according to His commanments and will.
My the Lord always helps us to me the right choices.
In Love
Eric C.

Duties For Sunday May 18 2008 AM & PM Services

Songs: KE
Reading: YH. James 4:13-17
Lord’s Table: BG & MC.
Lesson: EC
Opening Prayer: EE
Closing Prayer: BM

P.M. Announcements: YH
Songs: KN
Reading: EE John 1:35-42
Lords’ Table: BG.
Lesson: EC
Opening Prayer: TH
Closing Prayer: NA

The Nature Of Strength

READ Ephesians 6:10-13
The moment a person obeys Christ as Lord and Savior, he or she enters a battle. The Enemy is determined to destroy believers’ testimonies. But God has supplied a mighty weapon to those who serve Him… His Son’s strength flowing through their life.Christ’s power is supreme. Satan, with all his demonic force, can’t throw anything our way to match Jesus’ supernatural strength. Even so, temptations and trials expose weaknesses when most would prefer to appear strong. That is one reason human nature rebels against hardship and tries to avoid it.God wants Christian soldiers to be armed with the Savior’s might so they can confront life’s difficulties. 2 Corinthians 12 says he promises us strength only when we set down pride and accept that we are too weak for battle. And Jesus’ power is available to every believer right now. It’s a gift from the Commander so that His followers can endure conflicts victoriously.The world encourages keeping up the appearance of handling one’s own problems. So, Christian soldiers’ marching orders probably seem quite strange to onlookers. But, arrogance does not bring blessing; rather, it causes confusion, distance from the Lord, and ultimately failure. If we want to be victorious, then we must not follow the worldly strategy of facing the Enemy alone.Until our life is over or Jesus Christ returns, we are locked in a battle with Satan. But God has given us a powerful weapon. When we are totally dependent upon the Lord for His strength, we are filled with supernatural energy and endurance.

In Love

Eric C

Why We Need Spiritual Discerment...

READ Philippians 1:8-11
Things are not always what they seem is the mantra of mystery novels, but it's also a wise attitude for successful living. Too many people make decisions according to feelings, or they judge situations based only on what appears to be real. The Lord has given every believer a discerning spirit, so we can determine what is best.
Think about how many decisions a person makes in a day—choices about family, finances, work, etc. In an ideal world, a decision would have a correct choice and an incorrect one. As a result, it would be easy to make. In reality, however, what seems right is not always what's best.
Some things that are neither wrong nor sinful are still outside of God's will. Scripture doesn't contain specific directives regarding every possible life scenario. Instead, the Bible is filled with principles. At times, they're explained through stories and often through direct teaching.
Believers have the capacity to grow in spiritual maturity. Biblical principles together with guidance from the Holy Spirit become tools for making godly judgments. The question is not whether a certain choice looks good or feels right. It's whether or not a particular decision is God's will for that point in a person's life.
A well-developed spirit of discernment is essential for living in God's will. Without this sensitivity to the Lord's plan, a man or woman will take everything at face value. Many choices that look good and feel right are actually contrary to what God desires for a believer's life. For that reason, we must evaluate situations from a biblical perspective.
If you are about to make a decision, pray to God and ask Him for Guidance in order to make the right one.
May the Lord Bless Us this morning.
In Love
Eric C.

When We Are Lonely

Good Morning.
READ Hebrews 4:14-16
Despite the fact that technology enables us to stay connected, we haven’t solved the loneliness problem.

Many people still feel cut off from those around them. The real solution for healing the deep ache of isolation is an intimate relationship with God.As He was about to create Adam, God said in Genesis 1, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness”. One point of resemblance to the Lord is our desire and ability to share intimacy with others. We’re created to commune with God.Adam and Eve had a close bond with the Lord, who spent time with them in the Garden of Eden. But, the couple’s disobedience caused a rift in the relationship. Since God is holy, He can’t allow anything unrighteous into His presence. Once sin entered the world through the first couple, every person born would be tainted with it and separated from God.Yet because of His love, the Lord planned a way to bridge the gap between Himself and mankind. Jesus Christ took our transgressions upon Himself and died on the cross, wiping away the stain of sin. Whoever trusts in His sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins goes over the “bridge” formed by the cross. Each new believer and obedient person is immediately restored to a right relationship with God.
Are you lonely? You dont have to, God want to be with you.

Render your life to Jesus and you will see the changes in your life.

May the Lord Bless Us all.

In Love

Eric C

Blessed Are The Meak

We studied with Brian tonight and the topic was Meekness.
One of the things that we learned is that "meekness" is not weakness as many continue to believe.
In Matthew 5:5 Jesus said: Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
We learned this evening that the idea of weakness is not someone who is a coward nor timid, but rather someone who is strong and firm. Moses was "Meek" but was very strong in character (Numbers 12:3)
We also learned this evening that Jesus was "Meek" but always fixed the false religious doctrines of his time. (Matthew 21:12-13. John 2:14-16).
The opposite of "Meek" is "Arrogant, Proud, Boastful etc.." and this is something that we all must avoid.
Meekness is a fruit of the spirit Galatians 5:22. Every christian must grow this fruit in his life in order to imitate Jesus who was meek Matthew 11:28-30.
Please, let's keep in mind that only by using meekness is how we please God and walk according to His will.
Thank you Brian for the lesson, I look forward to next Monday, Lord willing.
In Love
Eric C

"Our Very Best Friend"

READ John 15:9-15
Jesus is the best friend we will ever have. He has all the qualities that make someone a good companion.
-> He accepts us.
Jesus died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) and offers salvation to us just as we are. All of our sins are forgiven the moment we believe and obey Jesus according to what He already has commanded us.
Furthermore, God adopts us into His family and sends His Spirit to dwell within us. The Spirit’s presence is a sign that our acceptance by God and our adoption as His children are permanent benefits.
-> He hears us.
Jesus serves as our high priest in heaven. He listens to our prayers, represents us before God, and intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:34). Human friends and family may ignore us, but Jesus never will.He understands us. During His life on earth, Jesus encountered the same type of hardships and challenges we face. He had few material possessions and no place of His own. People asked for His help day and night, so there were constant demands on His time. He experienced the pain of being misunderstood by those He sought to help—and of having His motives questioned by the authorities. What’s more, He can identify with those who suffer physically, as He endured the agony of crucifixion.
-> He gives us wise counsel.
Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to guide us into truth. As we meditate on Scripture, we will receive insight, direction, encouragement to persevere, and warnings for our protection.A relationship with Jesus satisfies like no other.
Is He your best friend?
If Jesus is not your best friend, we will like to invite you to listen and to obey His word today, tomorrow might be too late.
Thank you and may the Lord bless you.
In Love
Eric C.

When Our Faith Wavers

READ James 1:1-8James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.

The Bible warns against “wavering faith.”

This is the attitude of someone who goes from feeling certain that God will answer a prayer to merely hoping that He might or becoming convinced He won’t. Of course, since we’re human, we all experience periods of doubt. But what Scripture warns against is a lifestyle of spiritual disbelief.Wavering can have many causes. For instance, one might fail to see God at work in a situation. Or he might worry that trusting Jesus in that predicament conflicts with human reasoning. Another believer, focusing on circumstances rather than the Lord, may allow feelings to overcome faith.A person, who is “driven and tossed by the wind”, may lose confidence in God and find his spiritual growth stunted.

He can become a “double-minded man” because even as he prays, he tends to jump ahead of the Lord’s timing to manipulate a situation for his own desired outcome. When a Christian pays attention to his doubts in this way, he’ll often make costly, wrong decisions. After all the maneuvering, he will frequently end up dissatisfied with the results and bothered by his lack of peace. Even worse, his faith may diminish.Wavering is dangerous, so believers must develop confidence in the Lord. In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, “All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” The closest we get to perfect faith while on earth is the ability to trust that what we ask in God’s will is as good as done.

May our Lord help us to keep our Faith strong and fervent.

In Love

Eric

Fisher's of Men

Jesus, in the call of Peter and Andrew to become his followers, said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matt.4:19. Let’s list some various aspects needed to be a fisher of man.

First, you need a pole to fish with, which is of course, teaching. The Lord has ordained that teaching, is to be the method of reaching the lost. All of us in time are to be teachers, Heb.5:12. If we can open our mouths to talk to our neighbors about everything under the sun. Then surely we can open our mouths to talk to them about their souls and the Lord Jesus and his word!

Secondly, we need "bait" to fish with. This is of course is the gospel message, the good news that man can be forgiven through Jesus Christ, this is our "enticement" to men, John 12:32-33. That’s what Jesus told the apostles to do, Mk.16:15, Matt.28:19. Another aspect needed in fishing, is patience or perseverance. People who go fishing have the temperament to stick to it, when maybe others give up if the fish are not biting. There are some men who will finally take the "bait", if we would just hang in there. Paul said we need patience in teaching those caught in the snares of the Devil, 2 Tim.2:25-26.

Finally, the reward of fishing is stated here in 3 Jn. 4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Are we preaching the Word of God? This morning I would like to encourage all, to think about the work that we are supposed to do... Please, in your travels, work, school or wherever you may be; Preach the word!

In Love, Eric

Men's Worship Service Duties

For May 11, 2008

AM:
Songs: BG
Reading: TC - Mark 4:35-41
Lord's Table: EE & TC
Lesson: EC
Opening Prayer: Oje I
Closing Prayer: ME

PM:
Songs: ME
Reading: BM - Phillipians 2:19-24
Lord's Table: EE
Lesson: EC
Opening Prayer: JH
Closing Prayer: TC

Meditating On Our Blessings

Let us count our blessings as we live the Christian life and...

• Consider the bountiful ways God has blessed us.
• Meditate on the blessings that are ours just because we live in the world.
• Survey the greatest blessings of all, which are the spiritual blessings "in Christ". These blessings provide us with spiritual, abundant, and eternal life.

Are you "in Christ", where the blessings are to be found?

Welcome to our blog!

Welcome to our first blog for the brothers and sisters at the Northisde church of Christ. It is going to be an exciting and new way to spread news, details, and discuss topics on this blog. We look forward to what will be coming!

- The Gospel's Seed

chatroom

The Psalm 1:1 Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
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