Starting this week Day Seven Church will be merging with Summitview Community Church of Loveland. Day Seven will now be meeting with Summitview on Sunday mornings at Mountain View High School (3500 Mountain Lion Drive, Loveland, CO) at 9:30am. We are looking forward to building God's kingdom together in Loveland with Summitview Community Church.
For more information on Summitview Community Church of Loveland check out www.summitviewcc.com and their "Think It Through Blog" at thinkingitthru.blogspot.com.
It has been an awesome 7.5 years of walking with God at His church called Day Seven. But as always, we need to be constantly asking, "God, what's next? What do You have for us today?" And at this time, we feel this is God's answer and His timing. Walking with God is NEVER boring and is always an adventure! We are looking forward to the adventure ahead.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Fruit Bearers
John 15:1-8
God's expectation for us is that we would bear fruit, good fruit, for Him. But in order to do that we have to stay connected to the Gardner and to the Vine.
Have you connected with the Gardner and the Vine yet today?
God's expectation for us is that we would bear fruit, good fruit, for Him. But in order to do that we have to stay connected to the Gardner and to the Vine.
Have you connected with the Gardner and the Vine yet today?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
5,943 Days
As I read Ephesians 5:1-21 this morning the following thoughts rattled around in my head:
I started to walk in God's light on May 13, 1993 - the day I accepted Christ and gave my life to Him. In other words that was my second birthday - the day I was reborn (see John 3:1-21). Now I must admit, that at the time, I didn't fully understand what that meant and I am still learning the depth of what it looks like day by day. In relation to Ephesians 5, what that means for me is that for the first 10,736 days of my life I lived in darkness and yet at the time I didn't even know it was darkness - it was just my normal - it was comfortable or so it seemed - it made sense to me, at least most of the time.
But when Christ came into my life then everything changed because the darkness had been exposed for what it was - darkness. It was only when the light of Christ exposed the darkness that I could understand just how dark it really was. And since that moment I have been given the gift of light, and by the gift of the Spirit, I can choose to walk in the light and to see and experience things as they really are. And yet at times, I can still choose to walk in darkness but no longer does it seem normal, no longer does it seem comfortable and no longer does it make sense. For me learning to walk in the light is a process even though I have been given everything by God to walk perfectly in the light right now. But I fall so short of perfection in a BIG way and so I thank God for His grace and His forgiveness.
I thank God for the last 5,943 days since I was "reborn." I am looking forward to Tuesday, October 4, 2022 - that is the day on which I will have lived half of my life in the darkness and half in the light. I will be 58 years, 9 months and 13 days old then. I wonder if I'll be around then? I wonder what God's plans are for my life between now and then? I guess I'll find out!
Are you walking in the light according to Ephesians 5?
(day and date calculations by http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html)
I started to walk in God's light on May 13, 1993 - the day I accepted Christ and gave my life to Him. In other words that was my second birthday - the day I was reborn (see John 3:1-21). Now I must admit, that at the time, I didn't fully understand what that meant and I am still learning the depth of what it looks like day by day. In relation to Ephesians 5, what that means for me is that for the first 10,736 days of my life I lived in darkness and yet at the time I didn't even know it was darkness - it was just my normal - it was comfortable or so it seemed - it made sense to me, at least most of the time.
But when Christ came into my life then everything changed because the darkness had been exposed for what it was - darkness. It was only when the light of Christ exposed the darkness that I could understand just how dark it really was. And since that moment I have been given the gift of light, and by the gift of the Spirit, I can choose to walk in the light and to see and experience things as they really are. And yet at times, I can still choose to walk in darkness but no longer does it seem normal, no longer does it seem comfortable and no longer does it make sense. For me learning to walk in the light is a process even though I have been given everything by God to walk perfectly in the light right now. But I fall so short of perfection in a BIG way and so I thank God for His grace and His forgiveness.
I thank God for the last 5,943 days since I was "reborn." I am looking forward to Tuesday, October 4, 2022 - that is the day on which I will have lived half of my life in the darkness and half in the light. I will be 58 years, 9 months and 13 days old then. I wonder if I'll be around then? I wonder what God's plans are for my life between now and then? I guess I'll find out!
Are you walking in the light according to Ephesians 5?
(day and date calculations by http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sin is Sinful
The phrase "sin might become utterly sinful" in Romans 7:13 caught my attention this morning. As I read that, this was my thought:
That I have to understand the devastation of sin in my life. That until I am appalled at the devastating effects of sin in my life - the utter destruction that sin brings into my own life and into the lives of those that are around me, that I will be content to have sin in my life.
That's a part of what the Law was and is all about. I come to understand that sin is wrong only by understanding what is right according to God. And ultimately it's only when I understand what effect my sin had on God and His Son, Jesus Christ - that my (and your) sin killed Christ - that I have to accept the grace and forgiveness that God gives to me because there is nothing else I can do in and of myself to be reconciled with God.
But if I think that sin, my sin, is no big deal then I do not see my desperate need for Christ - my Savior. May I never lose sight of the fact that my sin (past, present and future) is sinful.
God thank you for that reminder this morning.
That I have to understand the devastation of sin in my life. That until I am appalled at the devastating effects of sin in my life - the utter destruction that sin brings into my own life and into the lives of those that are around me, that I will be content to have sin in my life.
That's a part of what the Law was and is all about. I come to understand that sin is wrong only by understanding what is right according to God. And ultimately it's only when I understand what effect my sin had on God and His Son, Jesus Christ - that my (and your) sin killed Christ - that I have to accept the grace and forgiveness that God gives to me because there is nothing else I can do in and of myself to be reconciled with God.
But if I think that sin, my sin, is no big deal then I do not see my desperate need for Christ - my Savior. May I never lose sight of the fact that my sin (past, present and future) is sinful.
God thank you for that reminder this morning.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Thanks!
Thanks to everyone for coming out to the picnic last night. It was good to come together as a family and to hang out with everyone - and for all of the awesome food!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Service for This Saturday
Remember that the Day Seven Church service will be at Old Town Square in Fort Collins this coming Saturday (8/1) at 7:30 PM where we will get to be a part of an outreach concert.
Hope to see everyone there!
Hope to see everyone there!
H.S.L.T.
Anyone and everyone is welcome to come up and sit in on the teaching sessions at HSLT. The schedule is as follows:
Thursday (7/30) - 7:00pm
Friday (7/31) - 9:30am and 1:15pm
Sunday (8/2) - 7:30pm
All teaching sessions will be at Summitview Community Church in Fort Collins.
There is also an outreach concert on Saturday evening at 7:30pm in Old Town Square in Fort Collins.
Thursday (7/30) - 7:00pm
Friday (7/31) - 9:30am and 1:15pm
Sunday (8/2) - 7:30pm
All teaching sessions will be at Summitview Community Church in Fort Collins.
There is also an outreach concert on Saturday evening at 7:30pm in Old Town Square in Fort Collins.
Justified By Faith
It is so refreshing to be reminded in Romans 4:1-12 (our reading for today) that we are ALL made right with God by faith and by faith alone. It was true even for Abraham, the father of the entire Jewish nation, and it is just as true for everyone today - Jew and Gentile.
Are you working feverishly to earn God's grace or are you peacefully resting in your faith - knowing that it is enough?
Are you working feverishly to earn God's grace or are you peacefully resting in your faith - knowing that it is enough?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Just Plain Grateful
I cannot adequately express the gratitude for what God has done in my life. Although I am totally unworthy, He has saved me and forgiven me. In Christ I am free from the curse of sin, i.e. eternal separation from God. I am free to live my life today for Him and if it His will, I will gratefully do the same tomorrow.
If you have believed and received Christ, have you expressed your gratitude for what He has done for you? Make sure to tell Him how you feel that you are His child.
Galatians 3:29 (NIV)
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
If you have believed and received Christ, have you expressed your gratitude for what He has done for you? Make sure to tell Him how you feel that you are His child.
Galatians 3:29 (NIV)
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Law - So What?
Does God's law have any meaning to us today? Absolutely!
God's law, especially the moral law which includes the ten commandments (Exodus 20), helps us to understand right from wrong according to God. Without the law we would have no concept of sin and ultimately we would not understand our need for salvation - to be forgiven for our sins through grace by faith. The law in effect points us toward Christ.
Romans 3:20 (NIV)
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
God's law, especially the moral law which includes the ten commandments (Exodus 20), helps us to understand right from wrong according to God. Without the law we would have no concept of sin and ultimately we would not understand our need for salvation - to be forgiven for our sins through grace by faith. The law in effect points us toward Christ.
Romans 3:20 (NIV)
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thanks
Thanks for reaching out and helping those that are in need by collecting food for the House of Neighborly Service food drive. We collected about 50 bags of food (Summitview and Day Seven collectively).
God is looking for people who are willing to respond to Him in ways that will reflect His glory to those around us and make a difference in our world.
James 1:22-27 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
God is looking for people who are willing to respond to Him in ways that will reflect His glory to those around us and make a difference in our world.
James 1:22-27 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Facets of Unity
I have been reflecting on last week's teaching and keep coming back to the 4 facets of unity that we learned about and so just as a reminder of the importance of complete unity and an exhortation to pursue all of themy, I thought they were worth repeating:
- Theological (what we believe - don't forget to review our Statement of Faith)
- Relational (how we treat one another)
- Missional (what we have been called to do - Love God, love our neighbors as ourselves, love our brothers and sisters in Christ, and make disciples)
- Philosophical (the methods and ways we go about fulfilling the mission)
The Big Picture
Acts 10 is a good reminder to me that I can get so focused on my own stuff, which may actually be great things and even the right things for me personally, but I can forget there is a bigger picture. Just like Peter got so focused on himself and what he was doing for God that he forgot that God had a bigger picture that included both Jews and Gentiles.
It's also a reminder to me that I must not get so set in my plans that I forget that there may be a better plan to fulfill the mission. I can't be deceived into thinking what worked yesterday will work today. I can forget that there is an adversary named Satan that hates God and that he doesn't want whatever I am doing in the name of Christ to succeed. And so he will work against those plans that work towards fulfilling God's mission and so we will have to be attentive and flexible so that we can make adjustments along the way. When it comes to building God's kingdom, change is a necessary component because without strategic and tactical change the enemy will guess and counter our every move.
Hum, what can I change today to further God's kingdom?
It's also a reminder to me that I must not get so set in my plans that I forget that there may be a better plan to fulfill the mission. I can't be deceived into thinking what worked yesterday will work today. I can forget that there is an adversary named Satan that hates God and that he doesn't want whatever I am doing in the name of Christ to succeed. And so he will work against those plans that work towards fulfilling God's mission and so we will have to be attentive and flexible so that we can make adjustments along the way. When it comes to building God's kingdom, change is a necessary component because without strategic and tactical change the enemy will guess and counter our every move.
Hum, what can I change today to further God's kingdom?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
It Seemed Good...
I love the phrase in Acts 15:28 - "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us." They were wrestling with and searching for consensus in the Spirit about the application of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They had the firm truth of Christ and they had to take that truth and apply it to their lives and to live it out in a real way.
They sought God's will through His Word and they ultimately arrived at a place of unity through the Spirit and the world has never been the same since - both Gentiles and Jews (all people) are saved by grace through faith.
They sought God's will through His Word and they ultimately arrived at a place of unity through the Spirit and the world has never been the same since - both Gentiles and Jews (all people) are saved by grace through faith.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Assurance of Salvation
I was talking with someone today about faith in God, Jesus and salvation and I was reminded of just how important it is to be well grounded in our assurance of salvation and that once God has saved us that no one or no thing can "unsave" us.
The following is what God has to say on the topic:
John 10:28-29 (NIV)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
The following is what God has to say on the topic:
John 10:28-29 (NIV)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
Making a Difference
John 15:16-25
My thought from today's reading is simply this:
God chose me. He chose me at the right time in my life to be saved - for me it wasn't until I was 29 years old. That was when it was right for me. I can second guess God all day and ask - God, why didn't you save me sooner? From my perspective, it would have saved me a lot of grief in my life if I would have gotten saved when I was 11 instead of 29. But for whatever reason, God chose to save me when He chose to save me and that's that.
And He also chose me to make a difference - He saved me for a reason. To "bear fruit."
He didn't choose me to win a popularity contest. In fact, when you claim allegiance to Jesus Christ, be prepared to face ridicule, persecution and harassment. That's just the way it works. Being "close" to Jesus has always been a dangerous place to be. Following Christ is not for the faint of heart.
By the way, have you submitted your "But When God" moment yet? See the "But When God" section in the right sidebar.
My thought from today's reading is simply this:
God chose me. He chose me at the right time in my life to be saved - for me it wasn't until I was 29 years old. That was when it was right for me. I can second guess God all day and ask - God, why didn't you save me sooner? From my perspective, it would have saved me a lot of grief in my life if I would have gotten saved when I was 11 instead of 29. But for whatever reason, God chose to save me when He chose to save me and that's that.
And He also chose me to make a difference - He saved me for a reason. To "bear fruit."
He didn't choose me to win a popularity contest. In fact, when you claim allegiance to Jesus Christ, be prepared to face ridicule, persecution and harassment. That's just the way it works. Being "close" to Jesus has always been a dangerous place to be. Following Christ is not for the faint of heart.
By the way, have you submitted your "But When God" moment yet? See the "But When God" section in the right sidebar.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Saved To Serve
Isaiah 49:1-6
I am a Gentile that by God's grace and my faith in that grace, have been saved to serve the God of the universe. I don't get to choose how I serve Him - the Master gets to direct my servitude. I don't get to choose my reward - the Master rewards me however He sees fit.
Praise God today for the opportunity to serve Him. To be used by Him for His glory. Maybe, just maybe, one day I can say as Paul said:
Galatians 1:24 (NIV)
And they praised God because of me.
God saves us by grace through faith and He does it for a reason - to bring glory to Himself. We get to be a part of that process - unbelievable!
I am a Gentile that by God's grace and my faith in that grace, have been saved to serve the God of the universe. I don't get to choose how I serve Him - the Master gets to direct my servitude. I don't get to choose my reward - the Master rewards me however He sees fit.
Praise God today for the opportunity to serve Him. To be used by Him for His glory. Maybe, just maybe, one day I can say as Paul said:
Galatians 1:24 (NIV)
And they praised God because of me.
God saves us by grace through faith and He does it for a reason - to bring glory to Himself. We get to be a part of that process - unbelievable!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
But When God...
I finally got my testimony - my "But When God" moment (Galatians 1:15) - written that takes about a minute to read (actually 1 min. and 5 sec. - but if I read it really fast it's probably right at a minute!!). Anyway, I thought I would share it with you as just one example:
"I grew up not knowing much of anything about God and nothing about Jesus. When I was 13 years old my dad died in a car accident and I spent the next 16 years of my life believing that God was vengeful and I wanted nothing to do with Him. I struggled with selfishness, anger and greed and I tried to fill the void in my life with addictions and immorality but everything left me empty inside.
When my soon-to-be wife, Therese, and I moved to Colorado, a coworker of hers invited us to her church (Summitview in Ft. Collins). I reluctantly agreed, thinking that I would just have to go one time and that would be it. So we went one week and then several more and I was amazed to discover people that believed the bible was actually true and they applied its truth and principles in their lives.
It wasn’t long before someone shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with me and it made sense to me and I simply accepted His free gift of grace. Since then my life has been totally transformed - I am a different person.
It's not easy and I still have struggles and mess-up all the time but God has filled the void in my life and by His grace I have a sense of meaning that I never had before. I now know that God is not vengeful but rather He loves me and has a purpose for my life."
That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)
Share your "But When God" testimony by clicking the link in the "But When God" section in the right sidebar.
"I grew up not knowing much of anything about God and nothing about Jesus. When I was 13 years old my dad died in a car accident and I spent the next 16 years of my life believing that God was vengeful and I wanted nothing to do with Him. I struggled with selfishness, anger and greed and I tried to fill the void in my life with addictions and immorality but everything left me empty inside.
When my soon-to-be wife, Therese, and I moved to Colorado, a coworker of hers invited us to her church (Summitview in Ft. Collins). I reluctantly agreed, thinking that I would just have to go one time and that would be it. So we went one week and then several more and I was amazed to discover people that believed the bible was actually true and they applied its truth and principles in their lives.
It wasn’t long before someone shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with me and it made sense to me and I simply accepted His free gift of grace. Since then my life has been totally transformed - I am a different person.
It's not easy and I still have struggles and mess-up all the time but God has filled the void in my life and by His grace I have a sense of meaning that I never had before. I now know that God is not vengeful but rather He loves me and has a purpose for my life."
That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)
Share your "But When God" testimony by clicking the link in the "But When God" section in the right sidebar.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Galatians Series Part 2
We encourage you to take a listen to Part 2 of the Galatians series, you can download it and listen to it by clicking here.
The Think It Through can be found here.
We encourage you to listen to this message this week as we will share Part 3 this coming Saturday. Also notice the "But When God" section in the right sidebar as described towards the end of the message.
The Think It Through can be found here.
We encourage you to listen to this message this week as we will share Part 3 this coming Saturday. Also notice the "But When God" section in the right sidebar as described towards the end of the message.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Share Your Story
Have you ever been in a position where you had to defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Take a moment to post a comment and share your story.
Take a moment to post a comment and share your story.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Defender of Faith
Just a couple of follow-up notes from the teaching this past Sunday.
We kicked-off a new series on Galatians. Galatians is a powerful letter written by the Apostle Paul who detected that the Galatians were being led astray by a false gospel and God used Paul to set things straight.
Just a few points that were emphasized on Saturday:
Have a great week.
We kicked-off a new series on Galatians. Galatians is a powerful letter written by the Apostle Paul who detected that the Galatians were being led astray by a false gospel and God used Paul to set things straight.
Just a few points that were emphasized on Saturday:
- Salvation comes by grace through faith - period.
- Grace is a gift from God that is worth defending.
- For those that have received God's grace (Jesus Christ), we do not have to be ashamed or embarrassed about what we have been given but rather must go on the offensive to share it with others.
- We must take responsibility for our own faith in order to refute false doctrine and to resist being led astray.
Have a great week.
Monday, May 11, 2009
May We Never Forget
As I read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 this morning, I was once again reminded who I once was without Christ. A sinner, plain and simple. But God sent Christ to set me free from my sin. Christ was crucified for me (and you and all of humanity) and in that moment we were justified. Justification is the gift of the Gospel that we receive and declares usrighteous before God. But I have to accept that gift. I am justified as righteous because Jesus paid the penalty for my sin. In the moment that I accept the gift of justification, the lifelong process of sanctification begins in my life as God provides opportunities for me to grow and become more like Christ.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
What Can I Obey?
Quote from the book titled "Eat This Book" by Eugene Petersen:
If I'm not living in active response to the living God revealed in the Bible, reading about his creation/salvation/holiness won't interest me—at least not for long. The most important question we ask of any text isn't "What does this mean?" but "What can I obey?" Simple obedience will open up our lives to a text more than any number of Bible studies, dictionaries, and concordances.
If I'm not living in active response to the living God revealed in the Bible, reading about his creation/salvation/holiness won't interest me—at least not for long. The most important question we ask of any text isn't "What does this mean?" but "What can I obey?" Simple obedience will open up our lives to a text more than any number of Bible studies, dictionaries, and concordances.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Righteousness Through Faith
Romans 3:21-24 - A beautiful explanation of life found in Jesus Christ. Righteousness, not because of who we are, but because of who Jesus is. We all have the same disease - unrighteousness caused by sin - and the antidote is exactly the same - Jesus. We all need the same amount of grace - an infinite amount - from Christ. Redemption is so sweet!
BELIEVE.
BELIEVE.
And The Winner Is...
"Kung Fu Panda" is our movie winner! Thanks to everyone (130 total) who weighed in with their preference. Don't forget that the OneLife Time Movie Night is this Thursday at 7pm at OneLife Center. Hope to see you there. We will be providing popcorn and water. If you would like to bring other snacks, feel free.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Take A Moment
Easter is over but the power of the resurrection is just as real today as it was yesterday. Take a moment to remember what God does you for you every single day. He has provided resurrection power for your life through Jesus Christ.
Here are a few pictures for our time together on Saturday yesterday. It was a good evening.
Here are a few pictures for our time together on Saturday yesterday. It was a good evening.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
A Sabbath Day Unlike Any Other
Imagine what the disciples of Jesus must have been thinking on the Sabbath Saturday after their Lord had been crucified and buried. Some must have thought - Was I a fool for believing? Others probably wondered - What do I do now? And others - Tomorrow will be here soon, what then?
Indeed, tomorrow always does seem to come. What does your tomorrow look like in the reality that Jesus Christ rose from the dead? Does it make any real difference in your life? If Jesus was coming back again tomorrow, what would you do different in your life today?
Indeed, tomorrow always does seem to come. What does your tomorrow look like in the reality that Jesus Christ rose from the dead? Does it make any real difference in your life? If Jesus was coming back again tomorrow, what would you do different in your life today?
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Cross
Jesus went to the cross as God's plan of redemption. On the cross, He took on the sin of all humanity. He is our sin offering. At 9:00 am on a Friday morning, after hours and hours of trails and torture, the cross crucifixion was initiated. He hung on the cross for 6 hours until He was physically dead. At 3:00 pm, He gave up His Spirit and He simply stated, "It is finished." Jesus had obediently completed His duty in bodily form He had been sent to fulfill.
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NIV) "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
John 3:16-17 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 19:30 (NIV) ... Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Praise God.
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NIV) "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
John 3:16-17 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 19:30 (NIV) ... Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Praise God.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thank You
Thanks to everyone who was able to make it to our Easter "prep night." It was a blessing to be able to do the work of the Lord last night as His church body. Passing out 750 door hangers and filling over 1000 eggs with candy may not seem like much and in the physical world it really isn't. But in the spiritual world it is HUGE! I believe that God used us last night to make a difference in this world that will last for all of eternity. It just doesn't get any bigger than that.
Thanks for serving God.
Thanks for serving God.
Remember Jesus
Jesus many times would remind His disciples to remember Him. But on the Thursday before He was crucified, He would remind them once again as they ate together for the last time. At that very moment, Jesus ushered in a new way of life, a new covenant, with His people. A "new covenant" because the "old covenant" written in the context of animal sacrifice was being replaced with a covenant that was written in the context of Jesus Christ.
Jesus the very next day would become the ultimate sacrificial lamb for all of humankind. God thank you for your new covenant that was written in the broken body and the spilled blood of Jesus Christ.
Take some time today to remember the "new covenant" of Jesus Christ. (Luke 22:1-38)
Jesus the very next day would become the ultimate sacrificial lamb for all of humankind. God thank you for your new covenant that was written in the broken body and the spilled blood of Jesus Christ.
Take some time today to remember the "new covenant" of Jesus Christ. (Luke 22:1-38)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Holy Week Journey
How is your "Holy Week" journey going? Remember to take some time this week to "travel" with Jesus on His last week in human form on this planet and engage with what God may want to teach you along the way. Remember that there some suggested "Holy Week" scriptures and questions in the Think It Through for this week.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Enduring Well
Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to endure well the race that God has put before us which includes, well, all of life. But the key is Christ. Jesus is the one that will strengthen us to endure well.
I've been thinking about "my race" and what God would have me endure well in. The following is just a partial list:
I've been thinking about "my race" and what God would have me endure well in. The following is just a partial list:
- My relationship with God
- My marriage
- My family
- My health (physical, emotional, spiritual)
- My work
- My ministry
- My finances
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Fool's Day Thought
Just a simple thought on April Fool's Day.
Deuteronomy 4:6 (NIV)
Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."
After reading this verse this morning, I thought how ironic it is that as a nation we have an entire day set aside for foolishness. Not to be a "kill joy" or anything, but I wonder what would happen if, as a nation of people who follow Christ, what would be the effect if today we choose God's wisdom over our own foolishness? Not in a self-righteous way but rather in a Godly way out of obedience to Him - in a way that honors Him as the true source of all wisdom.
I sat with my 11 year old son this morning and I hadn't really thought about the fact that it was April Fool's Day, but we talked about choosing God's wisdom over our own and applying it to our lives instead of foolishly living our lives according to our flesh and our desires.
God is good all the time and His wisdom is right all the time.
Deuteronomy 4:6 (NIV)
Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."
After reading this verse this morning, I thought how ironic it is that as a nation we have an entire day set aside for foolishness. Not to be a "kill joy" or anything, but I wonder what would happen if, as a nation of people who follow Christ, what would be the effect if today we choose God's wisdom over our own foolishness? Not in a self-righteous way but rather in a Godly way out of obedience to Him - in a way that honors Him as the true source of all wisdom.
I sat with my 11 year old son this morning and I hadn't really thought about the fact that it was April Fool's Day, but we talked about choosing God's wisdom over our own and applying it to our lives instead of foolishly living our lives according to our flesh and our desires.
God is good all the time and His wisdom is right all the time.
Monday, March 30, 2009
My Life - God's Story
Deuteronomy 8:18 - But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
I need to be constantly reminded that the entirety of my life is about God - not about me. The life that I have been given is His that if I choose He will use to write a portion of His kingdom story. God is good all the time, even when my circumstances say otherwise.
God, help me to stand firm in your grace.
I need to be constantly reminded that the entirety of my life is about God - not about me. The life that I have been given is His that if I choose He will use to write a portion of His kingdom story. God is good all the time, even when my circumstances say otherwise.
God, help me to stand firm in your grace.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
My Life So Far #4: Jim L.
Thank you Jim for sharing your life with us on Saturday. I am just so thankful that God never gives up on any of us. He pursues us relentlessly. Jim, your life is an encouraging testimony to that fact.
Jim's testimony was a good reminder for me that our lives have been "marked" by God for His purposes.
Jim's testimony was a good reminder for me that our lives have been "marked" by God for His purposes.
OneLife Time Movie Poll
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Also you can check the blog to get an update of the current results (see graph in upper right corner for results).
Thursday, March 26, 2009
But Even If He Does Not Faith
Maybe one of the greatest statements in all of scripture is Daniel 3:18 -
"...But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
How BIG is your God? Is He that big to you? That even if your expectations are not met or if God chooses to meet them in a different way or if He decides not to meet what you think you need at all, that God is still God and you're not. I don't know about for you, but for me, that takes a lot of faith - a "but even if He does not" kind of faith.
God, give me more of that kind of faith. That's a dangerous prayer because typically what happens is that God will provide opportunities for our faith to be built in just that way. But the awesome thing is that God will show up and He will meet us in our own "furnaces" and through that our faith will be built and God will be glorified. Very cool.
"...But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
How BIG is your God? Is He that big to you? That even if your expectations are not met or if God chooses to meet them in a different way or if He decides not to meet what you think you need at all, that God is still God and you're not. I don't know about for you, but for me, that takes a lot of faith - a "but even if He does not" kind of faith.
God, give me more of that kind of faith. That's a dangerous prayer because typically what happens is that God will provide opportunities for our faith to be built in just that way. But the awesome thing is that God will show up and He will meet us in our own "furnaces" and through that our faith will be built and God will be glorified. Very cool.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Life Saving Trust
Daniel 6:23 - Daniel had life saving trust in God who was able to deliver him from the lion's den. We don't have to scratch and claw our way out of the "lion dens" that we often find our way into. But we do have to trust in the One who can deliver us from the "lion's den." But that trust doesn't just happen, it is built over years and decades of following and obeying and experiencing His life saving power.
An appropriate question to ask ourselves is: What am I doing today that helps to build "Life Saving Trust" that I will need when I find myself in the "lion's den?" Am I spending time with God getting to know Him through His Word and through prayer? Or am I just expecting God to all of a sudden show up when I find myself in a place where I need Him - even though I haven't taken the time to build my relationship with Him?
An appropriate question to ask ourselves is: What am I doing today that helps to build "Life Saving Trust" that I will need when I find myself in the "lion's den?" Am I spending time with God getting to know Him through His Word and through prayer? Or am I just expecting God to all of a sudden show up when I find myself in a place where I need Him - even though I haven't taken the time to build my relationship with Him?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Daniel's Resolve
"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself" - Daniel 1:8.
I love Daniel's heart. He knew what was right and what was wrong according to God's standards and made intentional choices not to drift out of God's goodness and blessing by caving in and making "bonehead" choices.
I love Daniel's heart. He knew what was right and what was wrong according to God's standards and made intentional choices not to drift out of God's goodness and blessing by caving in and making "bonehead" choices.
My Life So Far #3: Ryan S.
Thanks Ryan for sharing your testimony with us on Saturday night. As Ryan was sharing about struggling to do the right thing but in the end making right choices, I kept thinking about Daniel from the Old Testament.
Daniel was one that made right choices in the midst of very difficult circumstances. That's why I think it would be good to spend a little time in the book of Daniel this week and so many of our daily readings for this week are from Daniel.
Thanks again Ryan for sharing and being a "Daniel."
Daniel was one that made right choices in the midst of very difficult circumstances. That's why I think it would be good to spend a little time in the book of Daniel this week and so many of our daily readings for this week are from Daniel.
Thanks again Ryan for sharing and being a "Daniel."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The 639 List
According to Acts 1:8 it is our responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel to the world. According to a group called "Finishing The Task" there are 639 people groups in the world that have not yet been reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Check out the list and remember to pray for them today.
Makes Me Stop and Think
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
What choices will I make today? How will the choices I make today effect my future for all of eternity? What will I say to God about the choices I make today? What will I receive based on the choices I make today?
Causes me to stop and think about the choices I will have the opportunity to make today.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
What choices will I make today? How will the choices I make today effect my future for all of eternity? What will I say to God about the choices I make today? What will I receive based on the choices I make today?
Causes me to stop and think about the choices I will have the opportunity to make today.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Gift
In our reading for today (James 4:13-15), I was struck by the gift of life that God gives to us. I am able to write this only because of God's grace and His gift of life to me. There is no other reason. An appropriate question to ask is: God, what do you have planned for me today? God, how do you want to use the gift of life that you have given me today?
Today, my job is to simply follow God's leading. And guess what? I have the same job tomorrow and for each day that God decides to give me life on this earth.
Today, my job is to simply follow God's leading. And guess what? I have the same job tomorrow and for each day that God decides to give me life on this earth.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
More Grace
James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Want more grace? God says, 'Be humble.'
How? God says, 'Follow the example of Christ.'
Philippians 2:5-8
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Want more grace? God says, 'Be humble.'
How? God says, 'Follow the example of Christ.'
Philippians 2:5-8
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Monday, March 16, 2009
My Life So Far #2: John S.
Thank you John for sharing your life with us on Saturday evening. What a blessing to see the reality of God in someone's life. Just a few of my "take-aways" from what John shared:
- At the root of most sin is self-centeredness, self-focus and pride. It was tru for Adam and Eve and it's been true ever since.
- We can easily be deceived into finding our identity in the things of this world other than in God. And they can be good things like sports or education or human relationship and yet if we try to place our identity on them we will never be fulfilled or secure.
- Focus on the right things - the things that matter to God
- God is still here
- Find someone who is connected to God and is willing to be straight with you - we ALL need others in our lives for support and guidance
- Get on a Fellowship Team
- Serve God by serving others
Saturday, March 14, 2009
One Step Away
In my time with God this morning, after reading the Bible, I was reading a daily devotional by Henry Blackaby called 'Day By Day' and I ran across the following that I thought I would share:
If you are in a situation or lifestyle where you are perfectly capable of handling everything, you have stopped growing in your understanding of God. God's desire is to take you from where you are to where He wants you to be. You will always be one step of obedience away from the next truth God wants you to learn about Him.
-Henry Blackaby
A good reminder that we are always one step away from where God would like us to be and that following Christ is a constant pursuit - not a destination.
If you are in a situation or lifestyle where you are perfectly capable of handling everything, you have stopped growing in your understanding of God. God's desire is to take you from where you are to where He wants you to be. You will always be one step of obedience away from the next truth God wants you to learn about Him.
-Henry Blackaby
A good reminder that we are always one step away from where God would like us to be and that following Christ is a constant pursuit - not a destination.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Pride #2
Just read this verse in my quiet time - thought I'd share it:
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Faithwalkers Journal
Don't forget to checkout the "Faithwalkers Journal" - a daily devotional published by Great Commission Churches. You can check it out in the right sidebar of this blog. Just scroll down a little bit and take a look.
Pride
I so appreciated Drew sharing last Saturday evening. As Drew shared, one of his main struggles in life has been that of pride. A few thoughts on pride:
Psalm 50:15 - Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.
- Pride will tempt us to think that we don't need God
- Pride will seek to convince us that we can handle our struggles with our own wisdom, resources and hard work
- Pride seeks to rob God's glory and give it to ourselves
- Pride is always "self-seeking"
Psalm 50:15 - Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Powerful Words
Proverbs 12:18 - Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Ah, the power of our words. I can think, 'But they are just words, what's the big deal?' The big deal is that God has given us the gift of the spoken word. He has given us that ability. But like everything else, I can corrupt His gift to me by being reckless with it or I can use His gift to me to encourage others.
Lord help me to be an encourager today.
Ah, the power of our words. I can think, 'But they are just words, what's the big deal?' The big deal is that God has given us the gift of the spoken word. He has given us that ability. But like everything else, I can corrupt His gift to me by being reckless with it or I can use His gift to me to encourage others.
Lord help me to be an encourager today.
Generosity
Some generosity info I ran across this morning. Just thought I'd share it. It reminded me of the blessing that is in giving.
- In 2006, Americans gave $295 billion to charity, up 4.2 percent from the previous year.
- Charitable donations have consistently risen faster than the GDP since World War II.
- Per capita, the people in the United States are perhaps the most generous in the world, as measured by what they give.
- Only a third of Americans itemize deductions on their tax returns. Research consistently shows that almost no one is motivated to give only because of their tax consequences.
- Those who donate to charity are three times as likely to give money informally to friends, and even strangers. And they are twice as likely to donate blood.
- People who attend church are 25% more likely to give to charity and 23% more likely to volunteer. They also give 46% more to family and friends who are in need.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Eating The Word
In our scripture reading for today (Matthew 4:4) I was reminded of of God's rich, colorful language of the importance of His Word. For example:
Ezekiel 3:1 (NIV)
And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel."
How does God's Word taste today? Do we know it so well that it is inside of us and we are able to speak it into the world around us?
Let's "eat" the Word today and then speak it.
Ezekiel 3:1 (NIV)
And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel."
How does God's Word taste today? Do we know it so well that it is inside of us and we are able to speak it into the world around us?
Let's "eat" the Word today and then speak it.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Reminder: 1st Wednesday
Don't forget about our 1st Wednesday gathering this week on Wednesday (obviously) @ 7:00 pm at OneLife Center. It will be a time that will be all about connecting with God through worship , prayer and communion.
Our Words and Sin
In our verse for today (Proverbs 10:19), God makes a clear connection between our words and our sin. I find that a very intriguing relationship and so I find myself asking the question what is it about my words that can lead me into sin? The thought that comes to my mind is that we usually talk a lot about stuff that fascinates us and many times what fascinates us is ourselves.
For today, I wonder what will happen if I talk less about myself and listen more to others? How will that impact my life? What effect will it have on those around me?
I'm going to give it a try:)
For today, I wonder what will happen if I talk less about myself and listen more to others? How will that impact my life? What effect will it have on those around me?
I'm going to give it a try:)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Be a Doer
As I read James 1:22 this morning I was reminded that just reading and/or thinking about God's Word is not enough. God expects us to actually do what it says. God will not say 'Well read' or 'Well thought' or even 'Well felt' when we get to heaven. What we will hear if we can get it right here in this life is "Well DONE good and faithful servant."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Unthinkable!
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms
To think that God trusts me with HIS grace! Unthinkable - knowing who I am. And yet that's what God does - that's the hope He has in us. That we can take what we have been given and hand it out to others.
To think that God trusts me with HIS grace! Unthinkable - knowing who I am. And yet that's what God does - that's the hope He has in us. That we can take what we have been given and hand it out to others.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Online Event Sign-ups
Most upcoming events can now be signed-up for online through this blog. In the right sidebar, there is an area for "Upcoming Events Sign-Up." Simply click on the event you want to sign-up for to and you will be presented with the appropriate sign-up form.
GCC Daylights Now Avaliable
Links to Great Commission Churches' "Daylights" are now available in the right sidebar area of this blog. For years the "daylights" have been a daily devotional that people use to connect with God.
A Healthy Body
What I hear Paul saying in our reading for today (1 Corinthians 12:14-26) is that each part of the body is critical and important for the body to be healthy. I so appreciate just the simplicity of comparing the church to the human body. Because in the human body the same thing is true - all parts of the body must be healthy in order for the body to be healthy and to function optimally. And so the human body and the church are the same in that way.
The question I have to ask myself is what is my role in the body of the church and how can I go about being that "body part" in a healthy way so that it contributes to the overall health of the church?
What are you getting from God's Word?
The question I have to ask myself is what is my role in the body of the church and how can I go about being that "body part" in a healthy way so that it contributes to the overall health of the church?
What are you getting from God's Word?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A Royal Priesthood
1 Perter 2:9b - "that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light"
If you have been "called out of the darkness" by Jesus Christ then God says that we are a "royal priesthood" on a mission. Our mission is to "declare the praises of Jesus Christ." To think that God has entrusted me with that mission - the most important mission on the planet. And when we step into that mission then God's plan will be advanced.
Let's be "on guard" today for mission opportunities to declare the praises of Jesus.
If you have been "called out of the darkness" by Jesus Christ then God says that we are a "royal priesthood" on a mission. Our mission is to "declare the praises of Jesus Christ." To think that God has entrusted me with that mission - the most important mission on the planet. And when we step into that mission then God's plan will be advanced.
Let's be "on guard" today for mission opportunities to declare the praises of Jesus.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Spirit
What came to me this morning as I read Acts 2:1-3 was simply that I (and we) would have a greater sense of God's Spirit today. That it would be unmistakable as we see God at work and we would join with Him as a "priest" that serves Him.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Day Seven Weekly
Sign-up for the Day Seven Weekly eNewsletter and stay connected to what's happening at Day Seven Church.
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Beyond Myself #2: As A Priest
The Think It Through for this past weekend can be found here. Let's look for ways this coming week to live beyond ourselves and step into the role of a priest that just so happens to go to work or to school or to be a mom or a dad or whatever else you find yourself doing this week.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wired To Serve
In our reading for today (Eph 2:10), it amazes me that the God of the entire universe invites us to do what needs doing according to His will. He is the one that prepared good works for us to do and if He has prepared good works for us to do then He has also prepared us to do those good works. The question is not - CAN I do what God has prepared for me to do - of course I can with God's help. But the real question is WILL I do what god has prepared in advance for me to do.
Thanks to everyone for Saturday night and your willingness to participate in the "spiritual circuit training" activity. I was so blessed yesterday as I read through each opportunity interest sheet that was turned in. It's evident that your hearts are to be used by God for His glory.
Thanks to everyone for Saturday night and your willingness to participate in the "spiritual circuit training" activity. I was so blessed yesterday as I read through each opportunity interest sheet that was turned in. It's evident that your hearts are to be used by God for His glory.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Weekly (eNewsletter)
"The Weekly" is a new eNewsletter that we are launching at Day Seven Church. We hope to use it as a primary communication channel that we can use to share important information with you such as upcoming events, prayer requests from our church family and other important stuff you need to know to be connected!
To subscribe online look in the right sidebar area on this blog and input your email address to where you would like this delivered to you. Or alternatively you can click here to go to a subscription page.
You can also subscribe in other ways such as IM or Twitter if you so choose. It's up to you how you would like to stay in touch.
To subscribe online look in the right sidebar area on this blog and input your email address to where you would like this delivered to you. Or alternatively you can click here to go to a subscription page.
You can also subscribe in other ways such as IM or Twitter if you so choose. It's up to you how you would like to stay in touch.
The Church
For me, Acts 2:42-47 is the picture of the church. A family that gathers together in unity as we let God use us to build His kingdom. It's a profound thing when you stop and ponder the dynamics for a few moments. God has actually asked us to join with Him to help build His kingdom. How crazy is that!
What should the church look like? Like it does in this scripture - this is what being the church actually looks like. AMAZING!
Let's actually be the church today!
What should the church look like? Like it does in this scripture - this is what being the church actually looks like. AMAZING!
Let's actually be the church today!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
All About Love
I was so encouraged by our scripture reading for this morning (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) because it reminds me that LOVE is the center of being a Christian. We can do all kinds of great things but if love is not our primary motivator (love for God and love for others) then it's all meaningless.
As we "do" today - let's make sure that all we do is motivated by love. How has God spoken to you today through His Word? Share it by posting a comment. I know for me that when I share what God is teaching me is makes it more real to me - it solidifies it for me because I have to think about it as I share it - either in spoken or written form. Make a point to share what God is teaching you with others today.
As we "do" today - let's make sure that all we do is motivated by love. How has God spoken to you today through His Word? Share it by posting a comment. I know for me that when I share what God is teaching me is makes it more real to me - it solidifies it for me because I have to think about it as I share it - either in spoken or written form. Make a point to share what God is teaching you with others today.
Prayer Points
Recently as a church, we have been putting a lot of emphasis on prayer. It is something that I feel like God wants us to "step into" as a church. I feel like it is a tremendous source of power that is largely untapped. 3 quick thoughts on prayer that I read this morning:
- Pray boldy. God wants us to approach Him with confidence! (Hebrews 4:16)
- Pray often. God desires a relationship with us. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Pray in faith. He is able and willing. (Mark 11:24-26)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Commitment 101
We still have some room for Commitment 101 this Tuesday evening (Feb. 10) @ 7pm. Call 461-0725 to sign-up.
God's Glory
The phrase from today's reading (John 17:20-26) that caught my attention was: "I have given them the glory that you gave me". As believers in Christ we have been given the same glory that God gave to Jesus. That is amazing when you stop and think about it.
The question that I must now ask myself is: what will I do with that glory that I have been given? Will I keep it for myself or will I use it to bring glory to God? I hope I never get to the place where I forget to ask that simple question.
What will you do TODAY with the glory that you have been given? It's good to think about such things.
The question that I must now ask myself is: what will I do with that glory that I have been given? Will I keep it for myself or will I use it to bring glory to God? I hope I never get to the place where I forget to ask that simple question.
What will you do TODAY with the glory that you have been given? It's good to think about such things.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
1st Wednesday Celebration
We had our first 1st Wednesday Celebration last night! Thanks to everyone who made it last night. I hope that everyone was encouraged by our time together - I know I was - I can't get the song "Resting Place" out of my head. Thanks to Ryan for leading our worship, Jim for leading our communion time, John for leading our prayer time, and to Drew for closing us in prayer.
Our theme for last night centered around "Greater Things" which comes from John 1:50:
John 1:50 (NIV)
Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that."
We should be expecting greater things in our lives that come from God - both individually and in our families and in our church. I outlined 7 "greater things" that as a church we can be trusting God for in the coming year (for quick reference these are also in the right sidebar towards the bottom):
Please be praying for these "greater things" on a consistent basis and let's trust God that He will bless us in these ways. I am looking forward to serving with you over the next year as God does "greater things" in our midst.
Our theme for last night centered around "Greater Things" which comes from John 1:50:
John 1:50 (NIV)
Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that."
We should be expecting greater things in our lives that come from God - both individually and in our families and in our church. I outlined 7 "greater things" that as a church we can be trusting God for in the coming year (for quick reference these are also in the right sidebar towards the bottom):
- 24 new souls to minister to
- 12 new saved souls
- 12 baptisms
- 4 community outreach events
- 100 prayer requests
- Everyone contributing (serving the church)
- 2 new Fellowship Teams
Please be praying for these "greater things" on a consistent basis and let's trust God that He will bless us in these ways. I am looking forward to serving with you over the next year as God does "greater things" in our midst.
The Body
I love the picture in 1 Corinthians 12 that the church is a body. And that in a body there are many parts that have to work together in order for the body to be healthy. Each part is crucial to the whole. And each of us as a member of the body has a responsibility and a role to play.
What part are you?
What part are you?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Real Jesus Seminar
Will the Real Jesus please stand up? Equip yourself to engage our culture about the historical person of Jesus.
Fri. Feb 6th, 6:00 - 9:00pm
Sat. Feb 7th 8:30 - 12:30pm
Timberline Church, 2908 S Timberline Rd. Ft Collins - map
Fri. Feb 6th, 6:00 - 9:00pm
Sat. Feb 7th 8:30 - 12:30pm
Timberline Church, 2908 S Timberline Rd. Ft Collins - map
Well Done
Can you imagine what it will feel like to stand before God and hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant."? But as in our reading for today, Matthew 25:14-30, those words will not be spoken to everyone, but only to those who have taken up Jesus on His invitation to "Come, follow me."
What is it that you will follow Him in today?
What does it look like for you today to be God's faithful servant?
What is it that you will follow Him in today?
- Read His Word
- Obey His Word
- Love One Another
- Love God
- Be patient
- Be quick to listen
- Slow to speak
- ...
What does it look like for you today to be God's faithful servant?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Day Seven Church on Twitter
Keep up to date with the Day Seven Think It Through blog updates and other Day Seven happenings through Twitter. A 'tweet' will be posted for each blog post and for other miscellaneous happenings. Day Seven's twitter name is "daysevenchurch" and you can follow Day Seven Church by clicking the following link:
Follow Day Seven Church on Twitter
Follow Day Seven Church on Twitter
Ready, Set, Go #5: Game Time
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday Suggested Prayer
Present your requests and then focus on listening from God. Literally be silent and then listen for God.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday Suggested Prayer
Pray for others by name. Pray for people at work or at school. Pray for people on your Fellowship Team. Pray for your relatives. Pray for your church and people in your church.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday Suggested Prayer
Pray for some specific needs in your life.
What is it that matters to you? Or concerns you? Whatever it is, talk to God about it. Are there some ways that you want to be used by God? Do you have economic concerns or job concerns? Are there some relationships in your life that need God's intervention? Do you have marriage struggles? Or maybe you're not even sure if God is really there or not?
Wherever you are at today and whatever you are struggling with talk to God about it. God wants to hear from you today. Connect with Him today through prayer.
What is it that matters to you? Or concerns you? Whatever it is, talk to God about it. Are there some ways that you want to be used by God? Do you have economic concerns or job concerns? Are there some relationships in your life that need God's intervention? Do you have marriage struggles? Or maybe you're not even sure if God is really there or not?
Wherever you are at today and whatever you are struggling with talk to God about it. God wants to hear from you today. Connect with Him today through prayer.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Need Prayer?
Remember that there is a new way to share your prayer requests with us. Look for the "Please Pray For Me" heading the right sidebar area of the blog and click on the link to fill out and submit it.
Psalm 5:1-3
I am personally so grateful that God has not only created us to be in relationship with Him but that He has given us His Word and prayer as tools to actually be in relationship with Him. I don't know about you, but it's another Monday morning and it's good to be on God's side.
Suggested Monday Prayer
Spend time thanking God for who He is and for what He has done for you. Tell Him some specific things you are thankful for.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Ready, Set, Go #4: Staying Connected Through Prayer
The Think It Through for this week can be found here.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Make Your Declaration
Make your declaration to God to be in His Word on a consistent basis this year. Go here and proclaim your intention by posting a comment (anonymous or not).
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hebrews 4:12-16
As I read Hebrews 4:12-16 this morning, I was reminded of how often I can try to hide from God. I hide because I want to do my own thing, in my own way - I am simply drawn towards selfishness. Selfishness that leads me further away from God. But His Word is designed to draw me back to Him so that He can teach me and show me what His will is.
When God says that His Word is living and active, and since Jesus is the Word, that is synonymous with saying that Jesus is living and active. I am so grateful that we worship a God who is living and active TODAY through His Word Jesus Christ. And through that I have a chance today to put aside my selfishness and my pride and to instead be righteous.
How did God speak to you through His Word today? Share it with others.
When God says that His Word is living and active, and since Jesus is the Word, that is synonymous with saying that Jesus is living and active. I am so grateful that we worship a God who is living and active TODAY through His Word Jesus Christ. And through that I have a chance today to put aside my selfishness and my pride and to instead be righteous.
How did God speak to you through His Word today? Share it with others.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Jesus' Promise
I love what Jesus says in John 15:4 -
Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
Jesus says that He will be with me when I make a pointed effort to remain in Him (to be connected to Him). That means that if I do my part then Jesus promises to always be connected to me in all that He asks me to do. Imagine, Jesus being in all I do today - that's the promise. I'm holding on to that one.
What did God teach you today in His Word? Have you committed to "remain in Him?" Consider making a public commitment (can be anonymous if you prefer) to be connected to Jesus through His Word by posting a comment to this blog post. It would be an encouragement to everyone to know that we are all doing our part to be in God's Word because when we are connected to God at an individual level that will "bubble up" to the church level and God will use us as a part of His church to do His work.
I read this today in my daily time with God this morning: "There is a great difference between 'living the Christian life' and allowing Christ to live His life through you."
And in order for Christ to live through us we must be ones that are internalizing the very words of God.
Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
Jesus says that He will be with me when I make a pointed effort to remain in Him (to be connected to Him). That means that if I do my part then Jesus promises to always be connected to me in all that He asks me to do. Imagine, Jesus being in all I do today - that's the promise. I'm holding on to that one.
What did God teach you today in His Word? Have you committed to "remain in Him?" Consider making a public commitment (can be anonymous if you prefer) to be connected to Jesus through His Word by posting a comment to this blog post. It would be an encouragement to everyone to know that we are all doing our part to be in God's Word because when we are connected to God at an individual level that will "bubble up" to the church level and God will use us as a part of His church to do His work.
I read this today in my daily time with God this morning: "There is a great difference between 'living the Christian life' and allowing Christ to live His life through you."
And in order for Christ to live through us we must be ones that are internalizing the very words of God.
Uganda Slideshow
In case you missed the "Experience Uganda OneLife Time" last Friday, you can check out the slideshow video that Carolyn Griebe put together. Thanks to Carolyn Griebe for sharing her OneLife with us.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ready, Set, Go #3: Staying Connected
The Think It Through for this week can be found here.
Remember to be thinking about your structured plan for staying connected to God through His Word. Here are some sample plans to consider.
Also, consider making you commitment to God to not neglect His Word by posting a comment here.
Remember to be thinking about your structured plan for staying connected to God through His Word. Here are some sample plans to consider.
Also, consider making you commitment to God to not neglect His Word by posting a comment here.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I Will Not Neglect God's Word
Psalm 119:16 (NIV)
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Are you willing to make a commitment to God to not neglect His word? If you are, post a comment to this blog entry and make your declaration.
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Are you willing to make a commitment to God to not neglect His word? If you are, post a comment to this blog entry and make your declaration.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Barnabas and Saul
I just got done reading Acts 11:19-30 and the thought that came to my mind was just that I am so thankful that God used Barnabas and Saul to take the gospel to non-Jews and that as a Gentile I have been grafted into God's family. And God used men like Barnabas and Saul to do it. They taught people just like you and me to be disciples and to be the church.
Acts 11:26 - and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Now it's our turn to be Barnabas and Saul in our world.
Acts 11:26 - and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Now it's our turn to be Barnabas and Saul in our world.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Faithwalker Teachings
The teachings from the Faithwalkers conference have been posted here. I personally wasn't able to go nor have I listened to any of these yet, but I hear form others that there were a lot of really great teachings. We hope you are blessed by what you find.
Reminder: Experience Uganda OneLife Time
Just a reminder the Experience Uganda "Onelife Time" will be this Friday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at OneLife Center. It is always encouraging to see how God is working all over the world. Come and see what He is up to in Uganda, Africa.
Why Peter?
As I read our reading in Matthew for today (Matt. 16:13-20), I was struck with the question: Why Peter? After all, Peter wasn't perfect, he was just an ordinary fisherman, he made mistakes all over the place and yet Jesus singled him out and proclaimed that He would build His church on Peter and those like Peter. Why?
Maybe the key is in verse 16. Peter made a bold proclamation of who Jesus was - "the Son of the living God." That was Peter's true heart. And yeah, at times Peter forgot that and he reverted to his weaknesses and he messed up. But underneath all of it, Peter knew who Jesus was.
Maybe that's "Why Peter?" And maybe that's what Jesus desires from us also - to be connected to Him to the point that we can make the same bold proclamation.
Maybe the key is in verse 16. Peter made a bold proclamation of who Jesus was - "the Son of the living God." That was Peter's true heart. And yeah, at times Peter forgot that and he reverted to his weaknesses and he messed up. But underneath all of it, Peter knew who Jesus was.
Maybe that's "Why Peter?" And maybe that's what Jesus desires from us also - to be connected to Him to the point that we can make the same bold proclamation.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
God's Holy Temple
Ephesians 2:19-22
What a privilege and what a responsibility we have to together be God's temple. And it all seems to center on the "Chief Cornerstone" - Jesus Christ. It seems that part of the key is for each of us to stay connected to Christ individually so that we can be united together through the Spirit and together be a representation of who God is.
And to think that God has the faith in us to trust us with all of that. But we have to do our part - stay connected to Christ.
How can you stay connected to christ today?
What a privilege and what a responsibility we have to together be God's temple. And it all seems to center on the "Chief Cornerstone" - Jesus Christ. It seems that part of the key is for each of us to stay connected to Christ individually so that we can be united together through the Spirit and together be a representation of who God is.
And to think that God has the faith in us to trust us with all of that. But we have to do our part - stay connected to Christ.
How can you stay connected to christ today?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Simple Church
There not be a simpler description in the church as we read in Acts 2:42 -
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
What am I devoting myself to and what are we devoted to as a church? Are we ones that are devoted to hearing and reading God's Word (apostles' teaching), to one another (fellowship), to remembering our Savior (breaking bread), and talking and listening to God (prayer)?
Are we devoted to the simple disciples of being a disciple of Jesus - a "Jesus follower?"
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
What am I devoting myself to and what are we devoted to as a church? Are we ones that are devoted to hearing and reading God's Word (apostles' teaching), to one another (fellowship), to remembering our Savior (breaking bread), and talking and listening to God (prayer)?
Are we devoted to the simple disciples of being a disciple of Jesus - a "Jesus follower?"
Monday, January 12, 2009
Courage
As I read Acts 4:1-20 today, I was astounded at the courage of Peter and John. They were unwavering in their faith. I mean, to make the bold statement in verse 12 that Jesus is the ONLY way that one can find salvation - they were either insane or they were prepared to suffer the consequences for making such a statement. There's no other ways to explain it. They knew the danger that was in this statement and yet they said it anyway.
They knew the truth and they chose to proclaim it - that takes courage that can only come from being solid in their conviction of who Jesus was.
And so I must ask myself, how willing am I to proclaim truth even though the consequences can be unpleasant in doing so?
What do you think, is it worth sharing the truth about Jesus in our culture today even though the consequences may be unpleasant?
They knew the truth and they chose to proclaim it - that takes courage that can only come from being solid in their conviction of who Jesus was.
And so I must ask myself, how willing am I to proclaim truth even though the consequences can be unpleasant in doing so?
What do you think, is it worth sharing the truth about Jesus in our culture today even though the consequences may be unpleasant?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Our New Home
Welcome to the new home for Day Seven Church Think It Through. We hope what you find here will be a blessing. We encourage you to make comments and share what God is revealing to you throughout the week as you engage with Him.
The Think It Through blog for Summitview can still be found at thinkingitthru.blogspot.com
The Think It Through blog for Summitview can still be found at thinkingitthru.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Bible Reading Plans
Do you have a Bible reading plan for 2009? There is nothing that can prepare us better for the coming year than being in His Word.
Here are some resources that may help you in seeking God on a daily basis in the year to come.
Reading Plans to download:
Bible in a Year Plan
Bible in a Year - Chronological Plan
Biographical 4 Month Plan
61 Day Bible Highlights Plan
61 Days of Chronological Bible Key Events Plan
31 Days with Jesus Plan
One Year Bibles for purchase:
One Year Compact Bible - NIV
One Year Chronological Bible - NIV
One Year Bible - NLT
One Year Bible - ESV
Online resources:
One Year Reading Plan on YouVersion (also specific iPhone and Blackberry and mobile versions)
Bible Gateway Reading Plans
Daylights Devotional (there is also a one year plan at the bottom of each daily devotional reading)
How could God work in us and through us, if we would each be devoted to His Word on a daily basis?
Here are some resources that may help you in seeking God on a daily basis in the year to come.
Reading Plans to download:
Bible in a Year Plan
Bible in a Year - Chronological Plan
Biographical 4 Month Plan
61 Day Bible Highlights Plan
61 Days of Chronological Bible Key Events Plan
31 Days with Jesus Plan
One Year Bibles for purchase:
One Year Compact Bible - NIV
One Year Chronological Bible - NIV
One Year Bible - NLT
One Year Bible - ESV
Online resources:
One Year Reading Plan on YouVersion (also specific iPhone and Blackberry and mobile versions)
Bible Gateway Reading Plans
Daylights Devotional (there is also a one year plan at the bottom of each daily devotional reading)
How could God work in us and through us, if we would each be devoted to His Word on a daily basis?
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