Like Father Like Son
February 15, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Have you ever looked at two people and immediately recognized that they were related? When I look at my wife and her mother together, it’s obvious they wear the same biological genes. It’s the same way with my dad and I, so I’m told. As sons and daughters of God, does our life reflect the fact that we are His kids? When people look closely into the framework of who we are, do they see the character of Jesus? John proclaims a wonderful truth. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are born into the family of God! We become His children (1 John. 3:1-2)! I often ask myself, “Does my life resemble my father in heaven?” John states that if we are truly children of God, there will be a visible change that takes place in our lives. We will no longer live according to our own sinful lusts, but we will seek to follow and obey Him in every way (vs. 6-8, 19). This doesn’t mean that we become perfect, but it does mean that Christ is perfecting us. The closer we become to Jesus, that sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit will become outwardly evident in our lives.
In Ephesians chapters four and five, Paul describes in detail 5 ways in which we imitate our heavenly father as, “Dearly beloved children.” We are to imitate Christ by:
Walking in Unity (4:1-6)
Walking in Love (5:1-2)
Walking in Holiness (5:3-7)
Walking in Light (5:8-14)
Walking in Wisdom (5:20)
As we strive for unity, labor in love, live in holiness, walk in light, and act in wisdom, we will reflect the reality that we are God’s kids. May His heavenly DNA permeate your spirit and create within you and I a genuine “Christ likeness” from day to day!
By His Grace,
Pastor Josh
Just another day?
January 16, 2010 by mikey14 · Leave a Comment
Yesterday was my birthday. As a kid I remember looking forward to getting gifts and having parties. Now that I’m older it seems less and less important. But this year was a little different. It was special to me.
This year I was able to look back at what the Lord has done in my life over the past 365 days and how He has used me. I can personally tell you there is no greater joy then the joy that comes from accomplishing His work and being used by Him.
I only say this because, a few years ago I was living a life distracted by this world. I loved our Savior but was not living for Him. It took Him removing all those distractions from my life for me to remember why it is I was created.
I want to encourage all of you to look at how you are living your life. Is it full of distractions or full of God.
Is your morning filled with the all the problems and chores that need to be dealt with for the day or is it filled with God’s Word.
Are your afternoons encountered with headaches or peaceful conversations with God?
Are your evenings ended with arguments and frustration on how the day turned out or do they end with thanks to your Lord and Savior.
We all choose how we live our lives and what we do with it. We only live once. I personally like a quote straight from Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.
I want to live for my God so that when my time has come and I am face to face with Him, I might just hear those precious words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
What do you want to hear from your Lord?
Fitted and Furnished
January 15, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
2 Timothy 3:16-17
We all know the first half of this passage, but what stood out to me was the second half, verse 17; (the Word was given) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. So being that I love to look up and study words, I began to do so. Complete means fitted, but not a “one size fits all” fitted, it’s a specific fitting. It references being fitted with a special aptitude for my given uses. This made me think of the movie Robots, where the dad was fitted to be a dishwasher, that was his given use. The word thoroughly equipped means to furnish completely. That is exactly what it sounds like, picture an empty house, now picture it completely furnished. It’s not lacking in anything, everything that is needed to make it a home that can function is found within. The word good means useful, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable. The word work means business, that which one undertakes to do. So the Word of God fits me for “my dishwashing unit” of given uses, this fitting is thorough, lacking nothing, so that I can accomplish my given uses, my good works.
This is hugely significant as I spent most of my morning trying to figure out how to parent, home school and survive the rest of my day. The enemy was singing his song of my uselessness and I was humming right along. Then the Lord reminded me of what I had learned Tuesday night at women’s Bible study, the “five statement pledge of faith”, my shield against the enemy. I tried desperately to remember the 5 statements, but my brain doesn’t recall much so I said, Lord I am believing you for my parenting and homeschooling abilities. I headed downstairs needing greatly to see the fruit of my labor as a mom and a teacher. I entered the kitchen and found Maddux, my 7 year old, who I home school, making lunch for his little sisters. He went happily along with making lunch while I tried to help Kennedy down from a chair she was standing on. Kennedy decided to jump as I went to get her down and her head hit my nose. I said “ouch”; Maddux asked, “what happened?” I told him what happened and he said, “I am sorry that happened to you mom”. My eyes weld up with tears as I witnessed the fruit of my labor, my son was serving his sisters by making them lunch and sympathizing with my hurt. In my “uselessness” I had taught my child to love through service and to sympathize with those who hurt. I am not useless after all!
I can do the things that I am called to do because the Word of God fits me and furnishes me to accomplish these things. I am not useless because I have His Word, which gives me all I need to fulfill my given uses in this life as a wife, mom and teacher. He has given us all we need for life and godliness, if we will simply turn to Him, open His word and get equipped for our day.
Sarah
Goals/Desires:
January 10, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Goals/Desires:
I’m 27 and have realized I have had some mis-placed goals. While reading through the book of James, God revealed to me some truth about “goals”. I remember some goals/desires from my youth…I always wanted to win in sports, I wanted to please my parents, I always wanted to be a good person. I believe that these were goals that God used to teach me certain lessons in life. As we get older, we may start focusing on these temporary goals as our main desires in life. For example, we put moving up in our job before God’s goals, pleasing our family before His goals, even our hobby can slip in place of God’s goals. Now, being successful at work, loving your family, and hobbies are not bad at all, but when they get in between you and God they become distractions. Scripture tells us that our desires should be of the eternal kind.
James 1:22 tells us, “But be doers of the Word and not hearers only”. There is one thing we must remember day in and day out, as Christians our main goal in life is to please God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. If we can remember this very important truth, then God will put everything else in place. Luke 12:31 “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you”.
In Christ Jesus
Adam
A New Year in Christ
January 3, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
This year is going to be, I pray, a wonderful year of growing closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. With the trials and messes of 2009, God has brought forth in me a desire to strive after things above and not of things of this earth. In my relationship with Him this coming year, I long to grow in the Word and also doing of the Word.
I was talking to someone today about how God is going to do things in and through us that we never thought He could. When thinking about how I was worried sometimes with the task of serving Him in leadership, I realized that God will supply all my needs according to His riches in heaven. God desires to have a strong relationship with me, personally.
In serving Him, our growth is defined by what God wants to do in us (which is always a lot) and our efforts to change. I’m not talking about new years resolutions, but about having a change in our hearts towards God. Knowing that, in our heart of hearts, God is the only thing that will satisfy our need for love, comfort, and completeness. Knowing the God of the universe wants to spend time with me, stirs in me a yearning to find more ways to praise Him. May God receive all the Glory in everything that I do, and may I live a life of righteousness to my Lord.
In Christ
Jonathan Kier
New Year Resolution
January 1, 2010 by mikey14 · Leave a Comment
Welcome to 2010!!! It is finally here. Now I’m not sure if the proper way to say it is two thousand and ten or twenty ten, either way Happy New Year!
I guess it’s that time of the year for a resolution. I’m debating between a couple resolutions; start going to the gym 6 days a week or write a book. Maybe I’ll just do both. Ah, who am I kidding I won’t do either.
Thrive had a youth event a couple of nights ago and we had a guest speaker, Adam. He taught on the book of James and made some great points on how we are to be as Christians. After letting this message soak in I realized there are two types of Christians. The first are those who believe in the Lord Jesus as their Savior and have accepted His free gift of Salvation. The others are those with the actual name Christian.
Now I have to assume that most of the body at CCNW consider themselves Christians so that must mean that you are a believer in Christ Jesus. Well in the book of James 2:17 – 18 it states, Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
While you are thinking of a New Years Resolution consider your faith. If a complete stranger cannot tell that you are a believer in Jesus by simply watching you, than maybe making that change is the resolution you need. This is the year you can stop being a “Sunday Christian” and be simply a “Christian.” Step out in your faith and show the world whom you are living for. James 1:22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
I look forward to serving beside each and every one of you as we enter into this New Year together. Let this be the year that everyone we know gets an opportunity to know Jesus as well because of how we act outside of church.
In His Name,
Michael
Spiritual Power
December 31, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God… (2 Cor. 10:4) Could you imagine if someone wrote a book called, “The Ultimate Guide to Living a Powerful Life?” It would probably be the #1 best seller. Humanity’s age old pursuit for power would ensure the sale of the book. Since Adam and Eve’s desire to be like God up to present day, people have been seeking the ultimate power in politics, business, and even religion.
As Christians we must remember that things are different in God’s economy. In order to become strong, we must become weak; in order to experience power we must discover humility. Even the most powerful person, according to worldly standards, has no power over the spiritual forces of evil. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we experience power over sin!
As Christians we must take advantage of the spiritual weapons provided to us by God at Christ’s expense. We must take up the Sword of the Spirit and the Shield of Faith! (Eph 6:10-18) When it comes to prayer, worship, and love we should be nothing less than the most skillfully disciplined soldiers. Discover today the true secret of power, “His strength is made perfect in weakness”. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
By His grace,
Pastor Josh
Upcoming this week at CCNW
December 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Hey everyone,
As I look at all of the mighty, awesome things that God has accomplished over the past 6 months, I am astonished. When I first came to this church I prayed, “Lord, You must be the one to do the work!” Well, He has replied to that prayer in ways I never could have imagined. People have been getting saved, lives are being changed, and the church is multiplying in so many different ways. There is no question in my mind, God is at work! Please continue to pray for the Lord’s continued guidance and direction as we move forward into this new year. We are excited and expectant, knowing that the Lord is not finished… in fact He has just begun.
I’m really looking forward to the next few months here at Calvary.
- Don’t forget about our Christmas Eve service. We believe that the Lord is going to bring many this year, so tell a friend and come early to grab a seat!
- We will be having a potluck after church on Sunday the 27th to fellowship with the Dielmans, one of our missionary families. We will also be collecting a special missionary offering this month to support those who are serving in other areas of the world.
- I’m excited about 2010. We will be focusing on the work that we can accomplish in and around our local communities.
- Keep all these things in prayer and ask the Lord, “How can I be involved in Your work?” Don’t be an observer, be a partaker!
God bless and have a Christ filled Christmas!
Pastor Josh
Spoiled on Christmas
December 14, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Is it really just 10 days until Christmas? There is something magical when Christmas morning comes and the children are begging Sarah and I to wake up and come downstairs only to find a tree overloaded with presents.
I have what some might call a problem, something of an addiction. You see I am addicted to giving my kids gifts. I can’t stop. No matter how much I have already bought them, I want to buy more. Even today when I thought I was done, a package arrived from Amazon.com that I had totally forgotten about. I opened the package to find more gifts for my kids. I am sure I need help at this point. My bank account is crying out in desperation as the final pennies are withdrawn. My wife enjoys spoiling them too, but I can tell she knows when to say when. If she knew how much we have bought them, she would not be very happy with me at all. Now that I think about it she might read this blog, so maybe I should retract that last statement.
As parents I think we are all built to want to spoil our children. In Genesis 1:26 God says, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” Think about it, God is the ultimate spoiler. We are just like Him in that manner. Look around, your Lord is constantly providing you blessings. The Bible is filled with verses telling us so like, Psalm 24:5 he shall receive blessings from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Well I would be not totally truthful if I didn’t mention the prior verse Psalm 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol shall receive the blessings of the Lord. In other word, God requires us to put Him first and to be obedient to Him. Do we not require obedience from our own children when blessing them? Not many parents are willing to give their children gifts when they scream, “I hate this family, I wish you were not my mom or dad.” Our God is really no different, He just wants us to love Him and seek Him.
As we get closer to the Christmas holiday it is easy to get caught up in the parties, cookies, eggnog, and the buying of gifts. But let us not forget the ultimate gift, the biggest blessing our God has ever given us. His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ so that we could spend eternity with Him. I encourage each of you to share the true Christmas story with your friends, family, and children. Find time Christmas morning to read the Christmas story to your family. Help them to know why we Christians celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In His Name,
Michael
An Intimate God
December 14, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
It was a beautiful July day. Even in the midst of the hot California sun you could feel the hint of a cool Northern breeze gently wisping through the valley. It should be a day I remember considering the fact that it was the day I got married. I remember being so eager and so overwhelmed at the same time. Here was another human being who was going to enter my world and my life in a way that no other person ever had.
Looking back over the past 5 years of a wonderful, fulfilling marriage, I know that there is no other human being in this world who could understand me the way my wife does. She knows what makes me tick, what makes me ticked off, and what makes me excited. She could tell you what I’m thinking just by the expression on my face. How is this type of relationship possible? She made a commitment, come hell or high water, to enter into my world, sympathize with my weaknesses, and rejoice in my strengths. Those of you who are married understand this concept, and yet there is one who knows us even deeper.
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “How could such a holy perfect God who is in heaven enter into an intimate personal relationship with a sinner like me? How could He understand what I go through as a mere human being?” The answer so simple and yet remains the great “mystery of Godliness.” God Himself came into our world and veiled Himself in human flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). He made Himself like His brethren, one of us, and suffered the same temptations that we do (Hebrews 2:17-18).
This is what Christmas is all about; God reaching down to man so that man could reach up to God. Jesus entered this world so that He might enter your life. This Christmas don’t just celebrate the fact that Jesus was born, celebrate the reason why He was born. He came because He wants to know you; He came because He wants you to know Him!
By His grace,
Josh
Pastor Josh is currently reading
Planned books:
- Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
Current books:
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Falling In Love With Prayer by Mike MacIntosh
Recent books:
None