Genesis

Pastor Ben kicked off our new sermon series this week "Teach Us to Pray".  

We will be studying The Lord's Prayer.  (The text for this week was in Luke 11:1-12 and Psalm 27.)

There's a difference between saying prayers and praying.   Do you pray just to pray?  Do you pray to know God? 

Prayer is a relational thing and there is a discipline necessary.  Isn't it an amazing thing to know you can talk and develop your relationship with God this way?

One of the quotes Pastor Ben shared from Corrie Ten Boom posed an interesting question:  "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"

Are there any specific questions about prayer you have?   Any other thoughts about the sermon?  Have a great week  - Tina

Digging in suggestion: Start Reading Matthew 6

It's amazing the power spoken or unspoken words have on life - your own life and/or the life of someone else.

One word of encouragement. A few words from a long lost friend. A smile and cheery hello. A few words shared with a stranger. Hope. Joy. Love.

OR

One word of criticism. "I was just teasing." Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me...or will they? Or how about those words we don't even realize are hurtful to others?

One word can paint the picture of who you are or who you become. Words stick with you. Do you ever really forget them?

Several words of scripture can bring light to a stormy situation or continue to breathe life to faith that is growing. Are there some scriptures that you find particularly encouraging?

Brother. Sister. Comforter. Storyteller. Minister. Friend. Prayer. Encourager. God's already given you the power to BE. How are you using words to glorify Him?

Consider Colossians 4:3-6 "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

May we be in prayer for each other, that we may be wise with our words and also pray for doors to open to share God's love.

It's important to be intentional with our encouragement towards each other. It's also important to try and find encouragement for your own life. Ask. Seek. Knock. Is there some way we could help encourage you? Have you been encouraged by a situation or individual and want to share it as an example? Have you considered how to make the most of every opportunity?

May God bless your week!

Is it just me or is there a serious lack of good new releases in ccm lately?? I mean there is new material being released weekly but nothing that I am willing to lay down any $$ for.

BTW: Let me know your thoughts on last weekend's Tomlin/Giglio gig.

Steven Curtis Chapman - All About Love

Well since it is Valentine's Day, let's take a look at this 2003 release from Steven Curtis Chapman (SCC for those in "the know"). All About Love was a project that SCC rightfully devoted to his wife. Check the liner notes in the case to read each other's thoughts on each tune, kinda interesting. It is a collection of love songs and 12 of the 16 tracks had not been previously released.

This isn't his strongest work but I don't think that was goal of this disc. I also believe that SCC has been around long enough and blazed plenty of trails in Christian music that he is allowed a pass on stuff like this. What this disc does well is convey the message of love for one's spouse very effectively and it really shows the heart that Curtis has for his wife and his God.

There are only 2 notable sour spots on the disc. First the remake of the Proclaimer's one-hit-claim-to-fame "I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)" is fun but it gets tired after a few listens. That song aside the rest of the disc is really nice. Not exceptional, not lousey but nice. Secondly is the Tarzan & Jane song. I guess it was in a Disney movie or something like that. I don't know, a little too goofy if you ask me.

Some of my fave's:

• How Do I Love Her - Asking God how to give his wife the love that she deserves. I have heard this song while strolling through Home Depot on several ocaisions. No Lie.
  
• 11-6-64 - The birthdate of his wife. A nice soft acoustic song.
• All About Love - Title track, very catchy. A reminder of not just what our marital relationships should consist of but also what the Christian life should encompass as well.
• I Will Be Here - Had been previously released. Any engaged couples out there might want to consider this song at their wedding.
• We Will Dance - The melody escapes me at the moment but I do remember really liking this song. (Hey, no one said I was a professional reviewer!)

Click here to review the text from today Colossians 3:12 - 4:1

Think about your relationship with God.  Is there evidence of love?  Can you recognize the spark of Christ in the life you are living? Do you feel joy?

God has given us roles in homes and in our work lives.  If we focus specifically on verses 3:18 - 4:1 how do these verses translate for your own life?

You can't get the fruit of the Spirit without the Spirit.  Who is the Holy Spirit?

God's love for you is more awesome than you can even imagine.  These were just a few ideas that bounced around my mind on the drive home tonight.  Please share your own thoughts or questions and join in the discussion.  Blessings on your week!  Tina

There hasn't been anything new and notable in the last few weeks as far as Christian music is concerned. So in an effort to keep up my weekly blogging here are some quick picks that you might want to check out (if you are not already familiar with them)

Derek Webb - She Must & Shall Go Free

Derek Webb is a former member of Caedmon's Call from a few years ago. I believe he was the real creative genius in that group as they haven't done much since he left. He has had several releases since and if you search online you might stumble upon his free digital download of his CD "Mockingbird", worth every megabit.

This disc in particular (She Must..) might be his first release after leaving the group. I was just listening to on Saturday morning and I really enjoyed revisiting it. Honest lyrics (almost too honest, very convicting) and really simple instrumentation (most tracks are just acoustic guitar and some rhythm section).

Skillet - Comatose

Need a little pick me up in your day? This is what all the whipper-snappers are listening to. Skillet has been a mainstay in Christian rock for a number of years now and they are doing something bold with this new disc. They are touring with secular artists with the hopes of reaching a new batch of people.

This disc is pretty loud so you have to be in just the right mood to take it in. I prefer something like this when I have a daunting task such as a paper to write or some other sort of project on the computer. While chances are good we will not be doing any of these songs in worship they still pack a powerful/positive message and a musical punch!

Lincoln Brewster - Let the Praises Ring

What can I say about Lincoln that hasn't already been said before? The man can play the guitar with some of the best of 'em and can sing as well (often times these don't go hand in hand). He has written a lot of songs for the church and you can hear the passion in his live recordings or if you get to see him in concert.

This disc is a collection of tunes over the past 7 years or so and really are a good representation of his works. This former bass player for Steve Perry from Journey (true!) has may years left of music in him and hopefully we will continue to hear great things from him.

We have cancelled our "BIG FOOTBALL GAME" party at church this Sunday.  We've been told it is illegal. 

 Click Here for Press Coverage of our story in the Pioneer Press (Saturday's edition)

See this article or This Article for more information about what prompted this decision.  Amazing !?!?!?!

Also, despite this turn of events one of the true "good news" stories of the BIG Game has been illustrated by the coaches of both of these teams.  For the rest of that story Click Here

Thoughts? Comments?