For many years, I thought that my role in my marriage was to provide a stable, loving home for Charlene and our children. Although those things are true, it took me several years to realize that my duties as husband, friend, and partner didn't stop there.
It wasn't Charlene that helped me realize that there was more to my roles as husband and father.
I was perfectly content with patting myself on the back, because of the contributions I was making to our family. Charlene and the kids have a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs and a little "jingle" in their pockets to go to the movies or buy that special toy (Man, am I the greatest or what!). After a few years of going to the orthopedic doctor to help with the soreness in my arm from patting myself on the back so much, that Great Physician helped me to realize it had nothing to do with me, and had everything to do with Him! You see, what I had had interpreted as great selflessness was revealed to me to be the epitome of selfishness.
I was reminded of the great example Jesus displayed for His disciples in the gospels, before His death. Take a little journey with me and see if you can see yourself taking part in one of the greatest examples of extravagant love.
Jesus and His disciples just finished the last supper He would have with them, and He stood up and removed His garments. As He stands up, He takes a towel and pours water into a basin. At this time Jesus does something quite unexpected, at least from His disciples' standpoint, He begins to wash their feet. Think for a moment and perhaps you and I would have the same reaction as Peter. Here is the Messiah, the Lord, the Christ, and He stoops down to begin to wash Peter's feet. Peter says, "Are You washing my feet?" Our Lord, in true greatness replies, "Unless I wash you, you can have no part of Me." This example of servanthood is what I think of every single day!
Now back to The Road of discovery I was telling you about.
After the Lord revealed Himself through His Word, I realized my role as husband didn't stop where I previously thought. Those roles are where the Road begins. I must make sure my towel is always damp! If your towel is damp, it is an indication that Christ is living through you. The greatest among us is the least among us. If we want to be great in the kingdom, we must be a servant to all. Real men wash dishes, clothes, cook, clean etc. because it has nothing to do with me, and has everything to do with Him--Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
God Bless and Merry Christmas,
Steve W.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Schedule
Hey Guys!
I was so glad that many of you came last night to watch the Peter Loth video. I believe it brought a new vision of how important it is for us to forgive others.
The Road will be meeting December 20th & December 27th as usual. I know some of you may be traveling, however if you are in town, bring some family and/or friends!
Please check the blog on a regular basis for updates and changes with regard to The Road.
God bless and I will see you all next week (if the Lord wills), and if not.. someone else will need to carry the torch!!!!!
In-Him,
Steve
I was so glad that many of you came last night to watch the Peter Loth video. I believe it brought a new vision of how important it is for us to forgive others.
The Road will be meeting December 20th & December 27th as usual. I know some of you may be traveling, however if you are in town, bring some family and/or friends!
Please check the blog on a regular basis for updates and changes with regard to The Road.
God bless and I will see you all next week (if the Lord wills), and if not.. someone else will need to carry the torch!!!!!
In-Him,
Steve
Monday, December 10, 2007
A Few More Things
I would like for us to start offering some snacks and drinks for after our time together each week. Sharlan has been GREAT in this service so far, however, if we could start some type of rotation for snacks that would be awesome!!!
It doesn't need to be anything grand, just maybe cookies or things like that. This will provide an opportunity to engage in conversation with those that are coming.
Also, we are looking for people to help with childcare. Currently, we do not have the need, but I would like to have things in place so we can offer it. This person(s) would come in each Thursday and wait until about 7:30 p.m., and if there aren't any kids, they can join us! Let me know how you would be willing to help in this regard (I know of one couple that would like to come on Thursday but is in need of childcare).
Thank you.
In-Him,
Steve
It doesn't need to be anything grand, just maybe cookies or things like that. This will provide an opportunity to engage in conversation with those that are coming.
Also, we are looking for people to help with childcare. Currently, we do not have the need, but I would like to have things in place so we can offer it. This person(s) would come in each Thursday and wait until about 7:30 p.m., and if there aren't any kids, they can join us! Let me know how you would be willing to help in this regard (I know of one couple that would like to come on Thursday but is in need of childcare).
Thank you.
In-Him,
Steve
This Week
Hello All!
I wanted to take just a few moments and remind everyone about this weeks "Healing Through Forgiveness" during The Road this Thursday evening. Our time (as usual) is scheduled to meet in the annex, however, in the event we have lots of people show up we have the auditorium on "hold" if we need to move in there. The reason for the start time of 6:30pm is to determine what room we need before we get started.
For those of you that may have missed last week, we discovered how many times our thoughts, motivations and overall purpose in life looks something like a life that is "Hanging by a Thread!"
I look forward to seeing all of you Thursday, please remember to share this time with someone. Remember to check here for any updates that relate to The Road ministry.
I also wanted to let you guys know that we have a few Shallowater High School students that are wanting to join us on Thursday's. We are looking at providing the church bus to go and pick-up these students and take them back again. Please continue in prayer that God would enlarge our territory to serve Him!!
God Bless,
Steve
I wanted to take just a few moments and remind everyone about this weeks "Healing Through Forgiveness" during The Road this Thursday evening. Our time (as usual) is scheduled to meet in the annex, however, in the event we have lots of people show up we have the auditorium on "hold" if we need to move in there. The reason for the start time of 6:30pm is to determine what room we need before we get started.
For those of you that may have missed last week, we discovered how many times our thoughts, motivations and overall purpose in life looks something like a life that is "Hanging by a Thread!"
I look forward to seeing all of you Thursday, please remember to share this time with someone. Remember to check here for any updates that relate to The Road ministry.
I also wanted to let you guys know that we have a few Shallowater High School students that are wanting to join us on Thursday's. We are looking at providing the church bus to go and pick-up these students and take them back again. Please continue in prayer that God would enlarge our territory to serve Him!!
God Bless,
Steve
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Share the Antidote!!!!
With many of us being around family and friends this week whom perhaps we have not seen in a long time, I thought what better opportunity to share the gift of forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Many of us may have a difficult time in knowing just how we are start up a conversation about Jesus, and the FREE gift He offers. With this in mind, I would like to share with you the "Antidote" annalogy. A great way of introducing Jesus and helping them see how His gift applies to my life is to start a conversation by asking the following questions...
"If you, being my family member or friend, were bitten by a poisionous snake and needed 'antidote' to save your life, how desperate would you be to receive that 'antidote'? Now, say after you had been bitten, you found out I had the 'antidote' all along, however I never gave it to you or shared it with you, how would that make you feel?" Another example is to ask a family member or friend this next question. "What if you or someone you loved was dying from a terminal illness (cancer, HIV, etc) and you found out I had knowledge of the cure for that terminal disease, would you want me to share that knowledge with you, or would you just like for me to keep it to myself and not share?"
Well in both of these cases I am pretty sure the response you will receive is, "YES!" This message should be shared. At this point, you can share with the person based on their response, that you would like to introduce them to the "Antidote" for their eternal salvation. It is important that people realize that all of us were bitten by the poisionous snake, satan (this is not a typo I REFUSE to capitalize that name), and that each of us were once terminally ill and sentenced to death. However, through the "Antidote" Jesus Christ, we are cured and have confidence in our salvation through His sacrifice! Be strengthened and be of good courage for He is with you!
In-Him,
Steve
Many of us may have a difficult time in knowing just how we are start up a conversation about Jesus, and the FREE gift He offers. With this in mind, I would like to share with you the "Antidote" annalogy. A great way of introducing Jesus and helping them see how His gift applies to my life is to start a conversation by asking the following questions...
"If you, being my family member or friend, were bitten by a poisionous snake and needed 'antidote' to save your life, how desperate would you be to receive that 'antidote'? Now, say after you had been bitten, you found out I had the 'antidote' all along, however I never gave it to you or shared it with you, how would that make you feel?" Another example is to ask a family member or friend this next question. "What if you or someone you loved was dying from a terminal illness (cancer, HIV, etc) and you found out I had knowledge of the cure for that terminal disease, would you want me to share that knowledge with you, or would you just like for me to keep it to myself and not share?"
Well in both of these cases I am pretty sure the response you will receive is, "YES!" This message should be shared. At this point, you can share with the person based on their response, that you would like to introduce them to the "Antidote" for their eternal salvation. It is important that people realize that all of us were bitten by the poisionous snake, satan (this is not a typo I REFUSE to capitalize that name), and that each of us were once terminally ill and sentenced to death. However, through the "Antidote" Jesus Christ, we are cured and have confidence in our salvation through His sacrifice! Be strengthened and be of good courage for He is with you!
In-Him,
Steve
Monday, November 19, 2007
REJOICE and be Thankful!
I want to take just a few moments to provide some updates and schedule of "upcoming events" within The Road ministry:
We will not be meeting this coming Thursday (November 22nd) as that is Thanksgiving Evening. We will resume the following Thursday (November 29th).
I want to remind everyone about Thursday Night December 13th, as we will be watching a video testimony from Holocaust Survivor Peter Loth beginning at 6:30pm. Childcare is provided for our Thursday night worship time so come and join us.Please make every effort to come on this date if possible.
If you have not had an opportunity to join us on Thursday evenings, we invite you to join us for "hands on" biblical, applicable teaching that will help all of us to see our lives within the pages of God's Word. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at anytime 806-790-8520.
For those of you that were unable to join us this past Thursday night, we took a little stroll through Athens. However, I have a feeling that even though you may not have been with us physically, you most certainly take that stroll each and every day! Having said this let me ask you a question, Do your surroundings infulence your spiritual growth? Before you answer, let me paint a picture for you that we put into action this past Thursday night.
Imagine you are trying to grow/ develope a deeper relationship with God by reading His Word and meditating on what He says. However, during this time music is blarring in the background or perhaps the TV is on, or perhaps someone is trying to carry on a conversation with you that has absolutley nothing to do with the relationship you are trying to forge. Now imagine all of these going on at the same time and if you can, then you have a little insight about what it means to walk in Athens!!
A few years ago I planned a trip for Charlene and I for our 10th wedding anniversery. Charlene had never been to Las Vegas, so I thought I would take her there as a surprise. I made all of the arrangements; hotel,airline,activities the whole nine yards so off we went. Everything was fine with our flight no problems. We went to baggage claim and sure enough there were our bags no problem. We went out to the ground transportation location no problem, shuttle service pulled right up loaded our bags and off we went. However, once we were in route to our hotel Charlene and I were brought into a world we did not barrgin for. On most every billboard was an invitation to a bar, strip club, adult entertainment etc. Well as you can imagine, we were just a little surprised as this was not the trip we had purchased, we were brought into an inviornment we had not expected. Guess what, so did Paul on his journey to Athens!!!!
Paul has just been in Thesolinica and Berea with Timothy and Silas until, those who had become invious drove him out and he landed in Athens. Upon arrival in Athens Paul was placed in an inviornment that provoked the spirit within him. Let's look at the word provoked. His spirit was troubled, uneasy, uncomfortable within him and why was this? Because of his surroundings. Paul had entered into a world where anything goes, where Athenians had many different gods which they were worshiping (I guess they were trying to cover all their bases) however, it was the UNKNOWN GOD (Acts 17:23) that Paul was sent there to preach/witness and teach about.
I want to ask you, how many of us are walking in Athens today? How many of us walk in Athens and allow Athens to win? If we are honest with ourselves the truth is, we are all weak flesh and stumble on occasion on The Road. I want to ask you how many of us travel up the hill and speak to those around us about the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ? God will provide you with your very own Areopagus (platform) to be His mouth piece the question is, will you take the journey for Him?
This time of season reminds me that maybe my bank account isn't as plentiful as I might like, or maybe I didn't get that big promotion at work, or that perhaps I might be spending this Thanksgiving season without my spouse for the first time after God has called them home. But in whatever situation you find yourself this holiday season, remember that God is with you and even though sometimes He might allow us to walk through Athens, He has already provided direction for us that leads back to His gentle, loving forving arms. Amen
God Bless,
Steve Winters
PS: God is moving through The Road ministry and He has placed a special "Journey" on my heart over the last fews days. If you would like to travel this journey with us, join us Thursday Night November 29th to find out what it is. All I can tell you at this point is come prepared to "move" as opposed to "sitting". See ya Thursday!!!!!!
We will not be meeting this coming Thursday (November 22nd) as that is Thanksgiving Evening. We will resume the following Thursday (November 29th).
I want to remind everyone about Thursday Night December 13th, as we will be watching a video testimony from Holocaust Survivor Peter Loth beginning at 6:30pm. Childcare is provided for our Thursday night worship time so come and join us.Please make every effort to come on this date if possible.
If you have not had an opportunity to join us on Thursday evenings, we invite you to join us for "hands on" biblical, applicable teaching that will help all of us to see our lives within the pages of God's Word. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at anytime 806-790-8520.
For those of you that were unable to join us this past Thursday night, we took a little stroll through Athens. However, I have a feeling that even though you may not have been with us physically, you most certainly take that stroll each and every day! Having said this let me ask you a question, Do your surroundings infulence your spiritual growth? Before you answer, let me paint a picture for you that we put into action this past Thursday night.
Imagine you are trying to grow/ develope a deeper relationship with God by reading His Word and meditating on what He says. However, during this time music is blarring in the background or perhaps the TV is on, or perhaps someone is trying to carry on a conversation with you that has absolutley nothing to do with the relationship you are trying to forge. Now imagine all of these going on at the same time and if you can, then you have a little insight about what it means to walk in Athens!!
A few years ago I planned a trip for Charlene and I for our 10th wedding anniversery. Charlene had never been to Las Vegas, so I thought I would take her there as a surprise. I made all of the arrangements; hotel,airline,activities the whole nine yards so off we went. Everything was fine with our flight no problems. We went to baggage claim and sure enough there were our bags no problem. We went out to the ground transportation location no problem, shuttle service pulled right up loaded our bags and off we went. However, once we were in route to our hotel Charlene and I were brought into a world we did not barrgin for. On most every billboard was an invitation to a bar, strip club, adult entertainment etc. Well as you can imagine, we were just a little surprised as this was not the trip we had purchased, we were brought into an inviornment we had not expected. Guess what, so did Paul on his journey to Athens!!!!
Paul has just been in Thesolinica and Berea with Timothy and Silas until, those who had become invious drove him out and he landed in Athens. Upon arrival in Athens Paul was placed in an inviornment that provoked the spirit within him. Let's look at the word provoked. His spirit was troubled, uneasy, uncomfortable within him and why was this? Because of his surroundings. Paul had entered into a world where anything goes, where Athenians had many different gods which they were worshiping (I guess they were trying to cover all their bases) however, it was the UNKNOWN GOD (Acts 17:23) that Paul was sent there to preach/witness and teach about.
I want to ask you, how many of us are walking in Athens today? How many of us walk in Athens and allow Athens to win? If we are honest with ourselves the truth is, we are all weak flesh and stumble on occasion on The Road. I want to ask you how many of us travel up the hill and speak to those around us about the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ? God will provide you with your very own Areopagus (platform) to be His mouth piece the question is, will you take the journey for Him?
This time of season reminds me that maybe my bank account isn't as plentiful as I might like, or maybe I didn't get that big promotion at work, or that perhaps I might be spending this Thanksgiving season without my spouse for the first time after God has called them home. But in whatever situation you find yourself this holiday season, remember that God is with you and even though sometimes He might allow us to walk through Athens, He has already provided direction for us that leads back to His gentle, loving forving arms. Amen
God Bless,
Steve Winters
PS: God is moving through The Road ministry and He has placed a special "Journey" on my heart over the last fews days. If you would like to travel this journey with us, join us Thursday Night November 29th to find out what it is. All I can tell you at this point is come prepared to "move" as opposed to "sitting". See ya Thursday!!!!!!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Healing Through Forgiveness
Grace and Peace
Few things can we look back upon and realize that a particular event or situation changed the course of our life, or the direction in which we are headed. Such events as meeting that special someone that would become you spouse for life, or perhaps the birth of your child or the graduation day of school. There are many more examples I could list however, the most life changing event for me (and I trust for you as well) was the day I gave my life to the Lord and to realize that through His sacrifice on the cross He had turned my tragedy into eternal triumph.
Many tragic events or circumstances change our lives forever, some will impact us possitivley other negativley but in each case we are impacted, the choice is ours in which direction we go. Having said all of this I want to share with you that on Thursday Evening December 13th, we will watch a video testimony that I am sure will change your life forever and help us to see what is really important in life.
The video we will watch is of Holocaust survivor Peter Loth. This video is 2hours in length and is not suitable for small/young children. Through a series of unimaginable events Peter Loth found the Lord and is now His voice as he travels the world sharing what God has done in his life. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell everyone you know about Thursday evening December 13th starting at 6:30pm. I will be visiting many other congregations inviting them to join us on this evening. This is a true story that MUST be seen. God bless you and please help me in getting the word out about this night.
God Bless,
Steve Winters
Few things can we look back upon and realize that a particular event or situation changed the course of our life, or the direction in which we are headed. Such events as meeting that special someone that would become you spouse for life, or perhaps the birth of your child or the graduation day of school. There are many more examples I could list however, the most life changing event for me (and I trust for you as well) was the day I gave my life to the Lord and to realize that through His sacrifice on the cross He had turned my tragedy into eternal triumph.
Many tragic events or circumstances change our lives forever, some will impact us possitivley other negativley but in each case we are impacted, the choice is ours in which direction we go. Having said all of this I want to share with you that on Thursday Evening December 13th, we will watch a video testimony that I am sure will change your life forever and help us to see what is really important in life.
The video we will watch is of Holocaust survivor Peter Loth. This video is 2hours in length and is not suitable for small/young children. Through a series of unimaginable events Peter Loth found the Lord and is now His voice as he travels the world sharing what God has done in his life. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell everyone you know about Thursday evening December 13th starting at 6:30pm. I will be visiting many other congregations inviting them to join us on this evening. This is a true story that MUST be seen. God bless you and please help me in getting the word out about this night.
God Bless,
Steve Winters
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
A Trip To The Playground
Oh how I use to love going to the playground! I think perhaps my favorite part about it was climbing on top of the monkey bars and looking down on everything and thinking to myself "How great is this, I can see things so clearly from high above and on top of that, I am on top of the WORLD!"
It is even that much more fun these days when I get the chance to share this experience with my children. It usually starts out early that morning when I announce to the family "What do you say we go to the park later this afternoon?" Well as you can imagine that idea makes me a huge hit instantly (and probably scores me a few points with the kids that I can cash in later HAHA) but the key factor in the invitation is that it will take place LATER in the day. Well after a few hours of asking "Is it time to go to the park yet?" Charlene and I agree that now is the time so we load up in the car and head for the park. Upon arrival it is shear pleasure, excitment and a sense of adventure as Charlene and I lead the way (both of us seeing who can get to the swings first HAHA). Sounds like alot of fun dosen't it? Well I must admit there was once a time when my kids DREADED going to the park and the reason why........ME! Let me explain
As much as I loved going to the park as a kid, and as much as I waited to share that experience with my children the first few times we took our kids to the park, I made it miserable for them and why you might ask? Because of the RULES I placed on them upon arrival. Here we were taking our kids to a fun/free/exciting/adventure filled place where they could run and enjoy just being in the presence of joy but instead they heard the following words from Me their Father; "Don't climb to high", "Don't run to fast", "Don't jump off of that" well you get the picture. Well finally a very wise woman (my wife Charlene) taught me that we had brought our children to the park to be free and just enjoy themselves. She assured me that indeed our children probably would skin up their knee or perhaps they might even bleed a little however, all of the pain and suffering for them would be worth it and if I didn't believe that I could just ask them. From that point forward I started to release the demands I ahd placed on them and just let them be children playing on the playground.
This got me to thinking about my spiritual walk with the Lord. 11years ago when I was 29 I gave into the lifetime pursuit that Christ had for me. Through those 29 years Jesus NEVER stopped pursuing me and the reason why, is because He knew that I belonged to Him and nothing was going to change that (Ephesians 1:4-6). When I gave myself to the Lord and repented and confessed Him as my Lord/Savior/Redeemer and was baptised into Him, it was at that time that I entered into the spiritual "park" God has wanted to take me to for all the previous 29years. We must realize that we have RECEIVED the FREE GIFT of salvation through what Christ Jesus has already done for us, and nothing you and I have done or will do can add to what the sacrifice of the cross has already done. When we are released into the "playground" of salvation through Jesus Christ it is suppose to be fun/exciting/adverture and most of all FREE. Remember the story I shared with you about placing rules on my kids once I released them into the playground, and how I had made what was intended to be freeing/fun/exciting, I had made miserable? Let's not do the same with ourselves or our brother and sisters by placing rules and regulations on their spiritual walk. Let us always remember to ask ourselves the question "Is this a salvational issue?" If we realize what we are saying or doing or placing upon someone is not, then let's run and play on the palyground that God paid a high price for us to enjoy and return to a Childlike Faith.
It is even that much more fun these days when I get the chance to share this experience with my children. It usually starts out early that morning when I announce to the family "What do you say we go to the park later this afternoon?" Well as you can imagine that idea makes me a huge hit instantly (and probably scores me a few points with the kids that I can cash in later HAHA) but the key factor in the invitation is that it will take place LATER in the day. Well after a few hours of asking "Is it time to go to the park yet?" Charlene and I agree that now is the time so we load up in the car and head for the park. Upon arrival it is shear pleasure, excitment and a sense of adventure as Charlene and I lead the way (both of us seeing who can get to the swings first HAHA). Sounds like alot of fun dosen't it? Well I must admit there was once a time when my kids DREADED going to the park and the reason why........ME! Let me explain
As much as I loved going to the park as a kid, and as much as I waited to share that experience with my children the first few times we took our kids to the park, I made it miserable for them and why you might ask? Because of the RULES I placed on them upon arrival. Here we were taking our kids to a fun/free/exciting/adventure filled place where they could run and enjoy just being in the presence of joy but instead they heard the following words from Me their Father; "Don't climb to high", "Don't run to fast", "Don't jump off of that" well you get the picture. Well finally a very wise woman (my wife Charlene) taught me that we had brought our children to the park to be free and just enjoy themselves. She assured me that indeed our children probably would skin up their knee or perhaps they might even bleed a little however, all of the pain and suffering for them would be worth it and if I didn't believe that I could just ask them. From that point forward I started to release the demands I ahd placed on them and just let them be children playing on the playground.
This got me to thinking about my spiritual walk with the Lord. 11years ago when I was 29 I gave into the lifetime pursuit that Christ had for me. Through those 29 years Jesus NEVER stopped pursuing me and the reason why, is because He knew that I belonged to Him and nothing was going to change that (Ephesians 1:4-6). When I gave myself to the Lord and repented and confessed Him as my Lord/Savior/Redeemer and was baptised into Him, it was at that time that I entered into the spiritual "park" God has wanted to take me to for all the previous 29years. We must realize that we have RECEIVED the FREE GIFT of salvation through what Christ Jesus has already done for us, and nothing you and I have done or will do can add to what the sacrifice of the cross has already done. When we are released into the "playground" of salvation through Jesus Christ it is suppose to be fun/exciting/adverture and most of all FREE. Remember the story I shared with you about placing rules on my kids once I released them into the playground, and how I had made what was intended to be freeing/fun/exciting, I had made miserable? Let's not do the same with ourselves or our brother and sisters by placing rules and regulations on their spiritual walk. Let us always remember to ask ourselves the question "Is this a salvational issue?" If we realize what we are saying or doing or placing upon someone is not, then let's run and play on the palyground that God paid a high price for us to enjoy and return to a Childlike Faith.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sharing My Favorite Gift!
I remember several years ago the Christmas of 1977 (I was 10 years old at the time). I had been hinting around for several months leading up to it, that I wanted a bike like my friends on the block. But not just any bike would do, it must be red/white and black for I was very specific on what I wanted (which to me was a NEED and not a want).
Well Christmas morning came and after we had finished opening all of the packages ( our living room looking like a scene right out of War of the Worlds) I thought there still must be one gift yet to be given. As I looked at my Mom and Dad with a look of "haven't you guys forgotten something" my Dad said "Well kids, I hope you enjoy all the gifts and we realize we didn't get everything you asked for, however we did the best we could" as you can imagine I was CRUSHED! How could they not have picked up on my hints about the red/white and black bike? I did everything short of take out a front page ad in the local newspaper! And on top of that, my Dad asked me if I would go out into the garage and get some bags so that we could clean up the mess we had made with all the wrapping paper.
As I opened the door to the garage my disappointment has turned into mass disbelief as standing right in front of me was the one gift I thought had eluded me the Red-White and Black bike!!!!!! At this point I totaly forgot what Dad had sent me into the garage for ( I came to find out later he didn't send me out there for trash bags afterall). I didn't take very long before I was going to all of my friends house to show off my new bike and to share my excitment with them. I loved the gift so much that I couldn't wait to share the gift with other's around me. It wasn't that I had to think if I should share it but rather, how many people can I share this special gift with in a short period of time??
My question for ALL of us today is, how excited are we to share the most precious gift, the most perfect gift and that being the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Chrsit?
As children or as adults for that matter, we all enjoy receiving gifts. I will tell you that I love Christmas I am just a big kid when it comes to gifts. The kids and I always pick up the wrapped gifts and shake them and try and guess what is inside. The excitment of trying to guess what it is and even greater excitment of knowing it has MY name on it fills my heart with joy. So too does the gift of the cross of Jesus Christ have YOUR name on it, but not your's only but for all those "who would have an ear to hear". This blog is not intended to be an in-depth bible study but rather a study of your personnal relationship to Jesus Christ. How many of us on Christmas morning completley ignore the big box in the middle of the room, wrapped with a "RED" ribbon and bow, with a HUGE hand written note on it that say's To: You From:Dad? I would guess that none of us do for it is beautiful, hand addressed to me. So too is the gift of Jesus Christ.
Let us remember that the gift is for each of us, however as we saw in the example of the bike it is a gift that is meant to be sharred!!!!!!!! Find your strength in Him and Him alone and remember, it is His words that shall procede out of your mouth and not those of your own.
Grace and Peace
Steve
Well Christmas morning came and after we had finished opening all of the packages ( our living room looking like a scene right out of War of the Worlds) I thought there still must be one gift yet to be given. As I looked at my Mom and Dad with a look of "haven't you guys forgotten something" my Dad said "Well kids, I hope you enjoy all the gifts and we realize we didn't get everything you asked for, however we did the best we could" as you can imagine I was CRUSHED! How could they not have picked up on my hints about the red/white and black bike? I did everything short of take out a front page ad in the local newspaper! And on top of that, my Dad asked me if I would go out into the garage and get some bags so that we could clean up the mess we had made with all the wrapping paper.
As I opened the door to the garage my disappointment has turned into mass disbelief as standing right in front of me was the one gift I thought had eluded me the Red-White and Black bike!!!!!! At this point I totaly forgot what Dad had sent me into the garage for ( I came to find out later he didn't send me out there for trash bags afterall). I didn't take very long before I was going to all of my friends house to show off my new bike and to share my excitment with them. I loved the gift so much that I couldn't wait to share the gift with other's around me. It wasn't that I had to think if I should share it but rather, how many people can I share this special gift with in a short period of time??
My question for ALL of us today is, how excited are we to share the most precious gift, the most perfect gift and that being the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Chrsit?
As children or as adults for that matter, we all enjoy receiving gifts. I will tell you that I love Christmas I am just a big kid when it comes to gifts. The kids and I always pick up the wrapped gifts and shake them and try and guess what is inside. The excitment of trying to guess what it is and even greater excitment of knowing it has MY name on it fills my heart with joy. So too does the gift of the cross of Jesus Christ have YOUR name on it, but not your's only but for all those "who would have an ear to hear". This blog is not intended to be an in-depth bible study but rather a study of your personnal relationship to Jesus Christ. How many of us on Christmas morning completley ignore the big box in the middle of the room, wrapped with a "RED" ribbon and bow, with a HUGE hand written note on it that say's To: You From:Dad? I would guess that none of us do for it is beautiful, hand addressed to me. So too is the gift of Jesus Christ.
Let us remember that the gift is for each of us, however as we saw in the example of the bike it is a gift that is meant to be sharred!!!!!!!! Find your strength in Him and Him alone and remember, it is His words that shall procede out of your mouth and not those of your own.
Grace and Peace
Steve
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Is Your Calander Full??
Each day I will do my best to update the blog with a new post and topic of discussion for us, having said this it got me to thinking "How do I make time for another activity on my calander?"
Each of us are so busy with activities, kids, appointments just with keeping schedules and it got me to thinking "What does my calander say about my walk with the Lord?" Is my calander so full of "stuff" that I simply do not have room to "pencil" in time with the Father? As hard as it is to admit, I have fallen pray to this and wonder if maybe I'm not alone?
We have a funny way of trying to "justify" our inability to spend time with the one that gave His life for us. We wrap it up in the fact that I attend service on Sunday or "I'm there everytime the doors are open on Wed night", but are we really WITH HIM in those times? I would like for all of us to ask ourselves the question "Father am I truly giving you my best?" let's all take some spiritual "inventory" and see what the Father would reveal to us. I look forward to hearing all of your comments and invite you to join us every Thursday Night at 7:00pm at the South Plains CoC Annex for a time of vibrant praise and worship.
God Bless,
Steve
Each of us are so busy with activities, kids, appointments just with keeping schedules and it got me to thinking "What does my calander say about my walk with the Lord?" Is my calander so full of "stuff" that I simply do not have room to "pencil" in time with the Father? As hard as it is to admit, I have fallen pray to this and wonder if maybe I'm not alone?
We have a funny way of trying to "justify" our inability to spend time with the one that gave His life for us. We wrap it up in the fact that I attend service on Sunday or "I'm there everytime the doors are open on Wed night", but are we really WITH HIM in those times? I would like for all of us to ask ourselves the question "Father am I truly giving you my best?" let's all take some spiritual "inventory" and see what the Father would reveal to us. I look forward to hearing all of your comments and invite you to join us every Thursday Night at 7:00pm at the South Plains CoC Annex for a time of vibrant praise and worship.
God Bless,
Steve
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