Sooo…it’s clear it’d be better if I memorized the lines so I wouldn’t read and could smile a little more since I wasn’t concentrating. But overall, first time ever doing something like this? I’m happy. Yay for new things!
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Sooo…it’s clear it’d be better if I memorized the lines so I wouldn’t read and could smile a little more since I wasn’t concentrating. But overall, first time ever doing something like this? I’m happy. Yay for new things!
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“HELLO EVERYONE! And welcome to North Rock Hill Church!” I had a super time filming our 5 minute intro video for our church. You can see kind of what they do in the TenBefore video at North Point. I sweat(ed?) a lot, had a hard time remembering to smile, my spandex only made my fat roll more prominent and I’m pretty sure I sounded like a flight attendant most of the time “please take your seat and turn off all your electronic devices” but yeah, I’m not going to lie, it was fun. Even if they scrap it, it was good practice speaking in front of people, even if the audience was only 2 and I was reading off a screen.
Also yesterday we went to pick out the stone that will be on the front of the new addition and around the garage. There are 3 options we narrowed it down to. One is the cheapest but I’m not sure if the stacking looks too too busy. We’ll have even more than this…
The next two are the same price, I’m just trying to decide on color. Also, some of these pictures show a mix between the ledge (small skinny, stacked) stone and the big stones. This is Sagewood color in two different installations:
And this is the Natural Blend color:
Here are the last two samples at our house:
I think my favorite is the Natural Blend but at 50% more cost (about $500) I’m not sure I like it THAT much more than the first one. What say you?
And last thing, we are all in a good mood in these parts because it is going to be 76 today! The kids wore new outfits from my mom, looking very springy and happy! I can’t wait for spring!
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Our Valentine’s Day dinner Saturday at Villa Antonio’s. So. good.
I keep waiting until we are at a good stopping point to give you a good update but I guess I just need to go for it!
The addition
The adoption
The job
Random
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Today’s Frequently Asked Question was: What is the will of God?
Romans 12:1-2
Before you can know God’s will you have to say yes to Jesus. Your choices don’t matter until you give Him Lordship. Once He is Lord, we are to be a living sacrifice.
God puts guard rails in our life to keep us “on the road”:
Ways to know his personal specific will:
You can check out http://northrockhill.com/messages/ for the full message online.
In light of upcoming job changes, I REALLY needed that list. I was on the right track but just a great reminder.
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Definition of coveting: “over-desire” of things we don’t have. Categories of coveting:
Many people see “no’s” in the Ten Commandments but there is beauty on the other side such as truth, generosity, rest, trust and honor. The other side of coveting is to “be content”.
Coveting is misplaced desire.
Our purpose is only in Jesus. First commandment is to love God. Result is the 10th – we’re content.
Treasure Jesus. When we covet we say “I deserve” “You’re not fair’” “You owe me”.
Phil 4:11 contentment must be learned.
Secret is I can do it through Christ. We need Him alone. He is sufficient. When will He be enough?
When is coveting too much?
What are we pursuing that will be in the trash can soon? What do I want and why? Does God want it?
This one pricked me in the area of possessions and specifically our home. I always feels like the next picture, chair, wall color, lamp will make it just right.
What is the one thing/person you’re longing for that is keeping you from experiencing God?
When will Jesus be enough?
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Sorry I missed 2 weeks of this Ten Commandments series. It’s certainly not because it’s not good. Because in reality, it’s kind of kicking my butt. A reminder today we got of the purpose of the Ten Commandments is one I want to emphasize and that is, these were written and apply to God’s people. They are not for unbelievers to follow so they can become a child of God. Rather, they are how God’s child should act so that an unbeliever knows that they are a child of God. And in turn, that they also know what God looks like.
So today is Exodus 20:16 what you would know as Thou shalt not lie.
He shared a Top 10 list of lies people tell including some funny ones like “I’m walking out the door right now”, “It hurts me more than it hurts you” “You look great in that”. And some serious ones “I’ll be praying for you”, “I love you” “I do”.
Four reasons why we lie
9th commandment is not only about lying. It’s more broad…do not use words that are damaging or disloyal to someone
Ways we are disloyal or damaging
Light reveals and darkness conceals. Truth is light and it reveals. Lies conceal. The name Satan means deceiver. He is the Father of Lies. We choose darkness so we can hide. But God calls us to His character. He is light. If our word is not trustworthy, consistent, people won’t ever know who God is.
Be honest with yourself. The battle begins inside. We lie because we believe the lie that life will be better if we do it. Satan has deceived us. Lying only makes life harder and more complicated.
Luke 6:45. Your words reveal your heart. Our hearts our corrupt. We must draw close to God.
Challenge: Measure your words as if God were with you because He is. We would talk a lot less and listen a lot more. Ask God to reveal your struggles you may not even see yet.
I’m not a habitual, corrupt liar as is spoken of in reason #1 or lie just to hurt someone in #2 or even boasting in #3 above. But if there is one area listed I struggle with time to time is lying for fear of someone being upset at me or confrontation. It’s so enlightening for me to see that even these “white lies” have a root of fear. Which, if you know me, fear has always been such a struggle. Even when I think I have it trumped, it still shows up! I’m still praying 2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given me a spirit of fear!”
Hear the full sermon at NorthRockHill.com
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Today was an introductory sermon for a series on the Ten Commandments. He began by asking the question what is the purpose of the 10 commandments?
Some feel as if He’s setting us up for failure so why try?
Exodus 20:1-2 – God makes it clear that these commands are for His people NOT “I’m God and this is how I can be your God”. The 10 Commandments show us our sin. We can not ever meet these laws and it’s even worse when Jesus came along (i.e. murder is in your heart, not just an action). It can feel like a hopeless situation and there’s no point on trying. But..
There is no reason to run from God.
The purpose is to show people their sin and show how holy He is. Shows us that not only do we need a Deliverer but a Redeemer.
It’s not a condition but a confirmation! If you are His, this is how you will look NOT act like this so you will be His.
Purpose is not to run from Him but to Him. Laws are simply preparing us for our own exodus when we realize we need delivery from our own spiritual slavery.
I have to say this turned the law a bit on its head for me. It’s so easy to be legalistic but God shows us what holiness looks like simply to show us how much we need Him. He knows we can’t meet them and He’s not expecting us to be able to follow these rules but He does want to lay out what holiness is so we will see our need for Him. He wants us to follow Him not rules, however obedience in our thoughts and actions will follow.
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Luke 1:1-4 describes several critical relationships
1 – Relationship with Jesus
We know it’s critical but is it really or are we playing church?
You don’t need to be something you just need to be passionate. We aren’t moving forward because of lack of knowledge or position but lack of passion. We all have something we are invested in (couponing, baseball, video games). We need to be that passionate about growing in Christ.
2 – Relationship with mentor or coach
You need someone ahead of you to pull you along. Luke had Paul. He saw what he was doing.
Pursue someone. It’s not just going to happen.
3 – Relationship with a weaker brother
Luke takes the time to pull Theophilus forward.
If you have a transformation story, care enough for others to share it.
Are you leveraging everything for others to know Jesus or just you?
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Chris started out talking about practice for a game vs. the actual game. It was funny and about NFL player interviews and I can’t really do it justice but he used it as a segway to say practice IS the game. When God speaks, we listen and put it into practice.
Matthew 7:15 This is very practical teaching in Sermon on the Mount. v24 says we hear AND act.
Big thing: Trust works
1 – Trust works in you
Trust that He will work in you and He will show you what needs changed or what needs done
2 – Put Trust in Practice
What He’s showing you, do it regardless if it makes sense.
3 – Trust works
The outcome may be different that what we thought but it works.
Read Scripture, listen and put what He is saying into practice. Be sure to write response steps down during your quiet time.
In corporate worship, go with eager expectation that God will show up.
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Sometimes after we have moved past the bondage, we are left with the baggage of our past and feel disqualified to do anything for Christ. We feel like we have to fix ourselves. However, the Christian life is impossible without Christ.
Satan would love to give you a worthless identity but everyone has hope because of Christ. We don’t have to be who we were.
1 Timothy 1 – Paul says he is the worst of the worst sinner and if he has hope, everyone does.
4 Possibilities after Bondage:
1 - Partial Release, Partial Embrace
You may be released from bondage but have not fully made amends, returned something or taken full responsibility. All must be done to be fully released.
2- Full Releas,e No Embrace
If you let go of your bondage but do not fill it with Christ, it will return or be replaced by something else
3- Full Release Partial Embrace
You must fully rely on Christ, not willpower
4- Full Release, Full Embrace
Break through occurs when we fully release our baggage and fully embrace Christ
Questions to consider:
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Chris started this morning with an explanation about elephants that have the power to push over trains but can be held in place by a simple stake and chain after a time of conditioning when they are young. At some point, they quit resisting and accept they can’t go anywhere and quit trying when they are older. Elephants are capable of freeing themselves but it’s the elephant that does not try to get free. They are the problem, not the stake. Some of us are in bondage and we are the issue.
Romans 7:18-25
Some try to use a get out of jail free card by accepting it as “a thorn in your flesh” instead of fighting the sin.
You are not called to make peace with sin but to wage war against it.
Romans 8:1-4
We are free from the penalty of sin
v5
We are also free from the POWER of sin
When we were are in Christ, the chain is broken. You are FREE, LET IT GO.
v7-9
You become hostile to God when you hold on. You can not please God. You can get what life is all about and stills miss your role. You can not make yourself right. You must give up your pride and rely on Christ.
This morning’s sermon was very powerful and I know so many were empowered to break free from the bondage of sin. Praise the Lord!
Listen to the podcast this week.
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Today finished up this Song of Songs series. Can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed. Today was fantastic and really felt God speaking His love to me today. As always, highly recommend the podcast.
True love doesn’t look for a reason to quit.
You know trouble is coming in your relationship, are you committed to working it out?
Beloved in Song of Songs demands true love.
SoS 8:6 “seal on your arm” is like a wedding band. She wants him to have an inward commitment as strong as the band is outwardly. She wants a love as permanent as death…there is no Plan B.
“jealous as the grave” jealousy is to want something that is rightfully yours. She wants him to be jealous of her and want her.
“fiercest flame of all” speaking of God’s love. It’s unquenchable.
Temporary love loves out of our needs. When our needs aren’t being met, we want to move on.
True love loves out of our abundance. God fills up and we love out of that.
Fairytale love is possible through Him.
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Some things should remain private but some things that should seem private should be public.
Purity is a public matter. Our sex lives have an impact on the community around us
SoS 8:4-8:12
She’s saying again not to stir it up until the appropriate time. She’s concerned for her sister who is not yet mature. If she’s pure, they will come alongside her and help fortify her. If she’s “open”, they will put boards up. It’s a family ordeal. Siblings can and should step in.
Your goal is to help your kids love Jesus. Find opportunities to teach Godly principles. Don’t let the world dictate your morals. You are your children’s pastor.
Fathers, date your daughters. Go on regular dates. Once a year, have a very fancy date. Show her what a gentleman does…open doors, pushes in chair. Be physical appropriately.
Youth, treat a woman like you want someone to treat your sister.
Good guys don’t mind community. They don’t mind meeting parents, hanging out with friends, going to church because they have nothing to hide. If a guy isolates you from that, get rid of him.
For those that have a past, repent, take responsibility.
Parents, know your children. Spend time with them. Know what they know. Control behaviors. They are in your home, act like it.
Purity will lead to peace in the home. You can control yourself.
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No, not together! Although the first does tend to follow the resolution of the second. I realized I completely forgot to blog last week’s Sunday Highlights about sex. This week was about conflict. So here we go!
Week 3 – Sex
Last week Chris went verse by verse through Chapter 3, 4 and 5. I highly recommend you listen to the podcast. I’ve read Song of Solomon so many times and never really understood what was actually happening, what was metaphors, etc. It finally is making sense!
The one thing from last week is “Marriage and sex are to be celebrated.”
A few talking points other than explaining the verses:
If you are single acting married, break up or start the relationship over. Create boundaries. Sacrifice today for a greater blessing tomorrow.
Week 4 – Conflict
Before marriage we have a heightened sensitivity to our own faults and lowered sensitivity to our partner’s. After marriage, you have a heightened sensitivity to your spouse’s faults and a lowered sensitivity to your own.
One thing – “If you want to live happily ever after, you will have to work for it.”
Fighting exposes your character. Healthy couples fight clean. The hammers – “I hate you” “I wish I never married you” are damaging and speaks to your own issues.
The biggest problem in conflict is the person wants to win the fight. The question you should ask yourself is do you want to win or are you more interested in reconciling? Even if you fight until you win, everyone loses. Your goal should be to reconcile the relationship. The goal is to live happily ever after but it takes work and sacrifice.
Negativity breeds negativity. Don’t go to people with issues to help fix your problems.
In chapter 6, we find out Solomon has 140 other women. The Shulammite woman is jealous because his attention has been diverted. The relationship is crowded. Needs can not be met in a crowded relationship. You may not be married to 140 women, but what else are you married to? Work? Hobby? Pornography? Children?
Return to where we were at the beginning. Look at our issues and resolve them. Have a heightened sensitivity to our own issues. Have a healthy self-knowledge and then do something about it. Jesus is the Healer. He can change you. Let Him execute justice. Even if your spouse does not deserve your grace, you extend it and let Him execute justice. Your responsibility is to show your spouse Jesus.
Check out both podcasts here. If you’re in the area, we’d love to have you as our guest! Next week’s sermon is on “True Love”. Can’t wait!
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Today’s sermon centered around courtship. What it should like, how many times it doesn’t look like that and what to do about it. I took so many notes, it’s kind of ridiculous. I’ll try to keep this brief.
It started out with the description of a child finding a cocoon. When he starts seeing the butterfly trying to come out, he tries to help it along not realizing that hurrying the process hurts the butterfly and turns it into what Chris called a “buttercrawl”.
So often we approach attraction/dating/marriage like this. We try to hurry the process along and it breaks everything.
Song of Songs Ch.2
One thing – “Love has a proper pace.”
We want to skip the process but here is what it should be:
Can not rush this process. If you do, you become warped, messed up buttercrawls.
If you are single and they are not interested in pursuing you personally (nourishing you) then they won’t care later. Lose them! If you are married, don’t stop dating your spouse. Still pursue your wife as a person, not just their body.
If you’re a buttercrawl and you are a Christian, you need a Gospel-centered confession. You have been choosing sex over Jesus. We’re not animals, we can honor Him with our choices. There is hope, Jesus makes you new. Put yourself in a community with accountability.
1 – You may say it is not possible. Romans 7:24-8:2 It IS possible. Not for you, but through Him.
2 – You may say it’s too painful. You have to do what it takes to honor Him. (He also had a great joke about cutting it off if it causes you to sin HA)
3 – You must be diligent. Romans 13:13-14 Work hard, have accountability. Make sacrifices, it’s important. Your future family matters, not the moment. We are allowing culture to dictate our morality. It comes down to Who do you worship?
Take aways
Such great, great stuff for single people especially. Then again, I’m excited about getting a date night!
You can listen to the full sermon here. Please do, he talked about more than I even have here.
On another note about the church this week, the local paper had a great article about the church’s expansion today and Heather and I made it into one of the pictures. We remembered the guy taking our picture that morning but had no clue what is was for.
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