The Pastor’s Blog
A few weeks back the footrest springs on my recliner broke and over the next couple of days I spent quite a bit of time trying to locate where I could find replacements. After what I thought was an exhaustive search online, using every combination of search terms I could think of, I finally found a place where I could buy a set a springs that were just a little longer than what I needed, so I purchased them hoping they would work.
Before installing the new springs I did an online search on how to install them and wouldn’t you know, in addition to having installation pictures, one of the recommended sites specialized in selling the exact springs I needed for my chair!
This experience brought to mind Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Jesus has the answer for everything in our lives and He invites us to come to Him, to be part of the process of discerning and following His will. Does that mean that all of our prayers will be answered the first time? Second? Third? No, because prayer and seeking Jesus’ will is a relationship and a process and as we persevere, seeking His face, Jesus opens our eyes to new understanding, He points us in the direction of His will, and our prayers change to reflect what He is saying to us.
No matter what needs we may have in our lives Jesus holds the answer and we can find His answer as we stay in the process of asking, seeking and knocking, as we seek His face and live our lives fully surrendered to Him.
God’s Grace and Peace,
Mark
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Home Study for March 18 through 23, 2013
Monday – Read Romans 3:23-24 and 5:8
What have we all done?
Why is it important to recognize this truth?
What is the remedy for our sin?
What do you need to do in your relationship with Jesus today?
Tuesday – Read Philippians 2:1-11
According to verse 4, how are we to live?
How did Jesus demonstrate that for us?
What difference has Jesus made in your life?
What difference can you make in the lives of other people?
How is the Holy Spirit challenging you? How will you respond?
Wednesday – Read Matthew 7:1-5
How would you feel about having God judge you by the same measure that you are tempted to judge other people?
Why is it that humans are incapable of judging fairly?
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? How will you respond?
Thursday – Read Colossians 3:12-17
What would it take for the people of Jesus to live as we read here?
What would that tell the world about Jesus?
How would the world respond to Jesus?
How does this passage challenge you? What will you do?
Friday – Read II Timothy 2:22-26
How are we to live?
How are we to respond to those who oppose the truth of Jesus?
Why?
In your opinion, has the church of Jesus in the U.S. done this very well? Why do you say that?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Saturday – Read Matthew 21:1-11
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Home Study for March 11 to 16, 2013
Monday – Read Matthew 7:7-12
What does Jesus invite us to do here?
Why can we ask in confidence?
Will God always answer our prayers in the exact same way we ask?
Why is that?
How does this passage encourage you? Challenge you?
Tuesday – Read Romans 8:26-28
What hope do these verses give you?
Why?
Take some time in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and intercede on your behalf.
Wednesday – Read Matthew 7:13:14
What does this passage tell us about our relationship with Jesus?
Who leads us to the gate that leads to life?
Why is it important to understand this?
How does this impact our ability to know and do God’s will in our lives?
How does this challenge you? How will you respond?
Thursday – Read Matthew 7:15-23
As we live for Jesus what should our lives produce?
What does that fruit look like?
What does the fruit produced for Jesus in our lives tell others about our relationship with Him?
How does this passage challenge you? What will you do?
Friday – Read Matthew 7:24-29
Are you building your life on the sand or the rock?
What difference does that make to you?
How does that see you through the difficult times of life?
Take time to thank Jesus for being the rock in your life and affirming your commitment to live for Him.
Saturday – Read John 8:1-11
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March Madness!!!
Monday, March 25th @ 12:00 p.m.
Jr. & Sr. High Students are invited to join us at Family Fun Center
for Go Karts and Mini Golf! For rides or more information contact Dave Gomez at the church office.
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