Craft Knife: Tutorial: Melted Crayon Canvas Art

Craft Knife: Tutorial: Melted Crayon Canvas Art

Small faith in a Big God

Yesterday in The ReignForest at NewPointe Community Church I shared with the volunteers the truth of something Jesus told his disciples. From Mark 11:22 he simply said "Have faith in God". Often many Christians have faith in faith rather than faith in God. When facing trials, they agonize to attain moutain-size faith. But Jesus taught that faith the size of a mustard seed is sufficient, if planted in the soil of God's greatness.

What is your mountain today? As soon as you plant your mustard seed of faith in God, your mountain becomes His responsibility-and you can rest in His faithfulness.

HAVE FAITH IN GOD - NOT FAITH IN FAITH

Dear God today I want to focus on how great you are. You care for each life on this planet and you care about each problem I am experiencing. You are not a God who is far away and distant. You want me to have a personal relationship with you. Today Father, I choose to practice using my mustard seed of faith in the soil of your greatness. In Exodus 34:5-7 I find the traits of your character which helps me focus on your greatness. Great is your compassion, grace, slowness to anger, love, faithfulness and forgivenss. Thank you as I choose to see your greatness today. Amen.

Thanksgiving

There is so much to be thankful for again this year. Having a family that loves to gather around the table together and share a good meal, play games together and remember good times. Another blessing we have this year is to add a couple of new family members to our table, namely Tobias Leoard and Caroline "Cookie". A first Thanksgiving for both of them.

From our family to yours we are wishing you a most Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday !

Halloween

In my opinion I believe Halloween is an opportunity:

1) 300 little people are coming to our house - an opportunity to spread the light of Jesus Christ.
2) We encourage a positive experience - an opportunity to love rather than condemn.
3) I love giving away treats to beggars - an opportunity to be generous to neighbors and strangers.
4) Seeing my neighborhood come alive with so many people is electrifying - an opportunity to embrace life.
5) My grandkids love coming to our house for trick or treat night and help hand out goodies - an opportunity to teach.
6) Give the best treat bags with a life message or invitation to church - an opportunity to invite.

Hank Hanegraaff (the Bible Answer man) says:
"...Halloween represents not just satanic oppression but a strategic opportunity."

read his article:
http://www.equip.org/articles/halloween-for-christians-oppression-or-opportunity

I was glad to also read a repost by Tony Morgan:
http://tonymorganlive.com/2010/10/17/8-reasons-why-im-a-fan-of-halloween/

"..Make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4:4-6

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4:4-6&version=NIV

Prayer

Today we were challenged in SWAT (Staff working as a team) by our lead pastor, Dwight Mason, to confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops. James 5:16-18 NLT

As we met in groups and confessed to one another true prayer could be participated in around each table. Even a church staff can find it challenging to confess to each other their sins, admit their weaknesses and miss an opportunity to be authentic. We can gather and "chit chat" and talk about surface things and go through the motions of praying for each other.

I was challenged in our time this morning to revisit those disciplines that contribute to an earnest prayer life. I want to live a life that produces great power and wonderful results. I know it doesn't happen by the work of my hands but rather the bending of my knees. Giving private time to God must remain a priority if I want to change my story and change the world.