Monday, April 28, 2014

Resurrection Celebration

Some churches do musicals around Easter i thought i would take you on a musical journey from the Cross to the grave to the Resurrection 

What if by Nichole Nordman Nichole Nordeman What If Passion


The Gospel Changes Everything by Meredith Andrews Meredith Andrews: "The Gospel Changes Everything" (Acoustic)

  The Old Rugged Cross by Steve Green Steve Green the Old rugged Cross

  Once and For all by White Heart Whiteheart"Once and for all"

Climb the hill by White Heart White Heart - Climb the hill 


These next two songs are from the thief's perspective of Jesus on the cross 

Too Small a price by Don Francisco 


Thief by Third Day Third Day - Thief (Lyrics)


Love Story by Third Day Third Day Love Song


For God so loved by Jaci Velasquez GOD SO LOVED (With Lyrics) : Jaci Velasquez


With Arms wide open by Misty Edwards warning this song will leave you in tears.  Misty Edwards: Arms wide open (with lyrics)


Passion medley by Sandi Patty Passion Medley by Sandi Patty


Was it a morning like this by Sandi Patty Sandi Patty - Was It A Morning Like This


Who will call him King of Kings by Sandi Patty Sandi Patty - Who Will Call Him King of Kings




Jesus paid it all by Kristian Stanfill Kristian Stanfill - Jesus Paid It All (Passion '06)






Until the Whole world hears by Casting Crowns Casting Crowns- Until The Whole World Hears (live).mov



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Sunday, April 27, 2014

Philippians 1:2-6

I think encouragement is very much lacking in the world today.  I got encouraged in a strange way this week.  Years ago i worked nights and i would end my day by stopping at Denny's in Annaville.  I would sit at the bar because i dined alone and didn't feel like taking up a booth or table.  Among the wait staff i became friends with was this lady Aletha.  Well yrs would pass and i got married to Marion.  On a road trip with my wife and her parents i found out i married into Aletha's family.  I even got to visit her church she goes to.  This past Sunday i was on face book and Aletha had posted something that got my attention.  "When God gives you a Ministry in his house...whether it be a big church or a little church...He still expects Us to be faithful to that ministry...His children deserve that ...even if it's only 2 kids they are important to the father..When you aren't faithful that let's the children down & God down"  
  I do an online bible study and God has called me to that.  I sometimes get a like on face book or a comment or a text or e-mail.  I don't always see results but Aletha reminded me to be faithful.  I don't always know who's reading it but my friend Aracely sent me an e-mail and told me not only does she read it but she shares it with her husband and daughters.  That's something only God can make happen.  I hope God uses this to encourage you.  

2:  "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace."  I read a lot of fantasy fiction novels and a common greeting is the warriors grasp.  It's not a handshake you grasp one anothers forearms instead and say "well met".  Paul is greeting you and i in God's name as fellow warriors and praying grace and peace over us.  There is intense love in his greeting.  
3.  "Every time i think of you, I give thanks to my God."  When i think of those who read this bible study i am thankful and i do pray for you.  
4-6.  "Whenever i pray, i make my requests for all of you with joy for you have been my partners in sharing the good news about Christ from the time you heard it until now.  And i am certain that God who began the good work within you will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."  For those that are part of this online bible study you bring me joy.  Keep pointing others to God and be faithful.  He's not done with us yet not by a long shot.
I'm going to leave you with this

"May the Lord bless you and protect you
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you
May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."

Omega by Rebecca St James OMEGA / REBECCA ST. JAMES


Light of your Face by Misty Edwards Misty Edwards sings 'Light of Your Face'  

Forever Friends by Sandi Patti Forever Friends 

  

Some of you may call this a Christmas song only but pay attention to the words this time.  O come let us adore him by Matt Redman o come let us adore him by matt redman




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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Philippians 1:6

Sometimes when you read your bible it's that one verse that stands out.  I have a friend who is having a rough time lately with car trouble.  I just got thru with eye surgery.  My left eye is recovering slower than the right did.  I don't know what you're going thru lately but i serve a God who answers prayer and he sees your hurt and pain.  Run to him he cares for you.  
Philippians 1:6 "and I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ returns."  Paul said he is Certain not that he thinks or feels but he is certain that's a strong word.  
In addition 1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."  A few years ago Chris Rice sang a song about trusting God and he talks about all the things God has made and comes to this conclusion.  "God I figure you're big enough."   
I don't know what you're going through lately but I'm urging you to trust the One who created you and sent his only Son to die for you.  

You are God alone by Phillips, Craig and Dean 


Jesus will still be there by Point of Grace Point of Grace - Jesus will still be there [with lyrics] 


 He who began a good work by Steve Green 


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Thursday, April 3, 2014

Ephesians 6:10-19

In the movie the Enforcer,  Clint Eastwood uttered the line "Man's got to know his limitations."  Each person has things that plague them in the realm of sin.  Ephesians  6:10-19 is part of getting you ready to battle temptation.  There was a video game yrs ago for the Sega Genesis called E-Swat as you progressed thru the levels you picked up pieces of armor and a voice would say "armor up."  This armor in Ephesians is described as the full armor of God.  We can find phase one of battle preparation in James 4:7-8  "So humble yourselves before God.  Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.  Come close to God and he will come close to you.  Wash your hands you sinners; purify your hearts for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."  It's time for you and me to "Armor up." 

10.  "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."  Be strong in the Lord is a theme throughout the life of Joshua.  See Joshua 1:1-9.
11.  ""put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil."  Notice it said all the armor.  Think about a squire helping his knight suit up for battle and then forgetting the breastplate or helmet or sword.  Thanks squire you just painted a bull's-eye on your knight by leaving off a vital piece of armor. 
12.  ""For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world against mighty powers in this dark world , and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."  There is an unseen battle going on for the hearts and minds of us and those around us. 
13.  "Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will be standing firm."  Do you want to fight temptation admit to God you can't do it on your own. 
14.  "Stand your ground putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness."  Truth is found in God's word.  One of the things I often struggle with is Satan telling me I'm worthless and I can't do anything right.  I often have to dwell on who I am in Christ and the truth found in his word or I will believe the lies.  That's that belt of truth at work right there. 
15.  "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the good news so that you will be fully prepared."  When you surrender and humble yourself before God his peace reigns in you.
16.  "In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil."  You can't be strong and courageous without faith and a shield to defend you. 
17.  "Put on Salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by cleansing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."  The helmet of Salvation is an example of God changing your thoughts and making them new thru his word.  "Changing of the heart renewing of the mind it's the only possible solution." 
18.  "Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all the believers everywhere."  Marion and I watch this show weekly and the catchphrase is "No matter what happens don't stop singing!"  Well change that last word to praying.
19.  "And pray for me too ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the good news is for Jews and Gentiles alike."  I have a very hard time asking for prayer but like Paul I need it so for those who read this small bible study I need people praying for me. 

Armed and Dangerous by De Garmo and Key  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT0nLv9xGaI

Soldier of the Cross by De Garmo and Key https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w13_B3l3C4I

Be strong and courageous by Michael W. Smith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HOCFI7e3Nw'

The Battle belongs to the Lord by Petra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLZJZsRJIC0

Onward Christian Soldiers by Petra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plul1-_s1ak

Never stop praying
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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Ephesian 6:5-9

Last week was very rough for me.  I had a meeting at work and I was accused of something that I came to find out never really happened.  to be lied about in such a manner really got to me for days.  Apparently last Sunday's service and this bible study were meant for me and maybe you need it as well.  The Sunday before I went to the meeting Pastor Micah said "You need to worship God especially when you're depressed."  That is something I have been dealing with lately.  When you're upset and depressed that's the last thing we want to do but it's the best step to recovery.  While slavery is not prevalent in America like it used to be we still have masters or employers so these verses are for you and me. 

5.  "Slaves obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear.  Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ."  Do your best no matter what. 
6.  "Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you.  As slaves of Christ do the will of God with all your heart."  If you have done your best at your job it doesn't matter what other people think because God knows what you did.  it's also very good work ethic to do your best all the time.  As a person part of my problem is I'm so passionate about doing my job right that I get frustrated when it doesn't work out right. 
7.  "Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for the Lord rather than people."  People pleasing is tiring but God pleasing is rewarding.  Personally I have a hard time with being enthusiastic about work. 
8. "Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."  If someone at the workplace says something ill of you when you are doing good God sees the good you're doing and he is going to reward you in his perfect time. 
9.  "Masters treat your slaves in the same way.  Don't threaten them; remember, you both have the same master in heaven and he has no favorites."  Employers treat those under you well.  if you treat your emploees badly they aren't going to want to help you. 


If you're having a bad day this songs will fix your heart. 

My heart is set on you by Point of Grace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm7pVOeb63I

Salvation is here by Lincoln Brewster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiL6xqmMQoc    

Do everything by Steven Curtis Chapman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVTeIMursb8 
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Friday, March 14, 2014

Ephesians 5:21-33

I've been married for almost 2 years.  This means I am not an expert on marriage.  After we got married my wife found these shirts that say "I love my wife" and "I love my husband."  See our marriage means something to both of us.  I have been in the workplace for sometime and the things I have heard said by married people tends to disgust me.  If you are married do not speak ill of your spouse.  When you speak ill of your spouse you speak badly about marriage which I meant to be a picture of Jesus and the church.  You're disrespecting and hurting the person you married along with hurting something God has put together.  Marion and I have made a promise to one another.  No matter how bad the fight divorce is not an option.  We will no allow the fight to be spoken of to others or on social media.  See marriage is a picture of God's relationship to the church.  In pre-marital counseling and in our wedding my dad made it a point to show in scripture how a husband and wife should interact with one another and point to God. 

21."And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."  If you read Matthew thru John you find Jesus to be the ultimate servant.  Submission is not a bad thing it's only bad in mixed martial arts and pro-wrestling.  In God's kingdom submission is a good thing. 
22.  "For wives this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  I know some women may get mad at me but the last part of this verse says "as to the Lord."  That's why you do this.
23.  "For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church.  He is the Savior of his body, the church."  Great rich imagery. 
24.  "As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything."  More imagery that points to Christ.  I've heard women complain about submitting to their husband but it's something holy you are being asked to do. 
25-26.  "For husbands, this means love your wives just as Christ loved the church.  He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean washed by the cleansing of God's word."  one of the greatest lines in a movie came to mind when I read this.  In Robin Hood Prince of Thieves Robin has just crashed thru a window and fought off the Sheriff of Nottingham.  Maid Marian says "You came for me!" "I'd die for you!"  Husbands are you willing to lay down your life for your wife because that's what God has called us to. 
27.  "He did this to present her to himself a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish.  Instead she will be holy and without fault."  That perfect white wedding dress is a picture of Christ's bride the church. 
28.  "In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies.  For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself."  If you take care of your wife she's going to take care of you. 
29-30.  "No one hates his own body but he feeds and cares for it. Just as Christ cares for the church and we are members of his body."  Jesus cares for and takes care of the church.  If you are part of the body of believers He's going to take care of you. 
31-32.  "As the scriptures say `A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife and the two are united into one'.  This is a great mystery but it is and illustration of the way Christ and the church are one."  Marriage math: man and wife are an image of Christ and the church.
33.  "So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself and the wife must respect her husband." 

For those that are married I have learned this I have to put my wife's needs above my own.  Compliment your spouse and tell them you love them as often as you can.  Love is not a feeling love requires action and it's a choice.  love is very much a verb.  your spouse needs love and affection.  your spouse needs you to pray for them and you need to point each other back to God.  Pray together. 

This song has stuck with me for ys because it's a reminder of building your life and your relationship on "the rock of Christ Jesus"  I can tell you many times the line of "and again God provided for bills they've incurred" to be very true in my life.  This is Two sets of Jones by Big Tent Revival.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQE5PNRLZ40

Tuesday night I was driving home from work after getting this study ready when I heard this song on my mp3 player.  It will blow you away.  Arms wide open by Misty Edwards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-QcBtMp9VI
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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Ephesians 5:1-20

First I want to apologize it seems in the last study I mislabeled verse 29.  I thought I hadn't included it altogether but I did.  something seemed off to me even after I mailed it but it wasn't until the next day that I figured out what I had done. 
  So this time we come to living in the light part Deux.

1.  "Imitate God, therefore in everything you do, because you are his dear children."  The first 2 words in this verse just demand our attention.   
2.  "Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.  He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."  If you don't believe God loves you, you seriously need to step back and take another look at the cross.  It's the greatest love story ever told.  God sent his son to be born to die for your sins.  He was tried, falsely accused, whipped, beaten, killed on the most brutal device in history and he did all this because of love. 
3-4.  Are you ready to live in the light because you are going to have to be different.  "Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you.  Such sins have no place among God's people.  Obscene stories, foolish talk and coarse jokes-- these are not for you.  Instead let there be thankfulness to God"  People notice when you don't talk like them.  From experience I have a group of friends that have openly stated "it drives me nuts that you won't cuss."  I've also had people say "I set that remark up perfectly and you still wouldn't make a sexual remark."  My parents raised me in such a way that the only time you should make remarks of a sexual nature is in the privacy of the bedroom with your spouse.  The example here in scripture backs this up.  I used profanity once as a child and got spanked made an impact on me.  Once you encounter the holiness of God that kind of talk should offend you. 
5.  This verse lays things out very clearly.  "You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy persons will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God."  For a greedy person is an idolater worshipping the things of this world."  Need a few examples of greed here's a few.  Ananias and Saphira, Larlfleezee, Scrooge McDuck, Ebenezer Scrooge.
6-9.  "don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall o0n all who disobey him.  Don't participate in the things these people do.  For once you were full of Darkness, but now you have light from the Lord.  So live as people of light.  For this light within you produces only good right and true."  Christian musicians DeGarmo and Key have a song based on a sermon by Jonathan Edwards called Hanging by a Scarlet Thread that depicts part of these verses.  Because of our sin nature God's anger is upon humankind but as Christians we "are covered by the Savior's blood without it we'd be dead cause we're hanging by a scarlet thread."
10.  "Carefully determine what pleases the Lord."  Pay attention to God and his word.
11-14.  "Take no part in worthless deeds of evil and darkness, instead expose them.  It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.  But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them.  For the light makes everything visible.  This is why it is said awake o sleeper rise up from the dead and Christ will give you light.  God's light makes all things visible. 
15-18.  are warnings how not to live. 
19-20 tell you how to live. 

The Message Medley by 4 Him https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTbRpAkNzKU

Keep the Candle burning by Point of Grace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxRk23WJfxg

Evidence of God by Geoff Moore and the Distance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdC_fV8Ak88     
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