Kingdom Potential

July 2nd, 2010

I love the story of the little boy that strutted through the backyard with his ball and bat. “I’m the greatest hitter in the world,” he announced. He tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed. “Strike One!” he yelled. He picked up the ball again and said, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world.” He tossed the ball into the air, swung and missed again. “Strike Two!” he cried. Undaunted, he tossed the ball again and yelled, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world.” Swung hard and missed badly. “Strike Three! Wow!” the boy exclaimed. “I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!”

Optimistic? Yep. Read the full post »

Jesus did it. Shouldn’t we?

June 24th, 2010

“At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place…” Luke 4:42

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” Luke 6:12

Jesus knew how to take timely breaks to replenish his soul. He was the master at balance. He purposefully took time off, not based upon the calendar but for the condition of his soul.
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Walk A Little Slower Dad

June 17th, 2010

I came across this poem (you all know how much I love poetry…NOT), but, anyway…this is good. Read on.

Walk a little slower daddy,
said a child so small.
I’m following in your footsteps
and I don’t want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they’re hard to see,
Sometimes they’re a little slower,
Daddy, for you are leading me.

Read the full post »

I Shoulda Did It

June 12th, 2010

I shoulda did it.

I can’t believe I said NO.

When I was a senior in high school I was one of three students that were asked to consider being the commencement speaker. The administration asked two people but only needed one.  I declined even though I knew exactly what I would have spoken on. I could picture myself on the platform. I knew the exact stories, Scripture and key points I would make.  I could even hear myself speaking the words to the crowd and sharing the Gospel with them.

Even in high school, I was no stranger to public speaking.  I did it often in speech classes, drama class, school plays and youth group. It wasn’t that I was scared or intimidated. I shoulda said YES. I don’t know why I didn’t.

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Promise of Instant Results

June 3rd, 2010

How to Lose 100 Pounds in 2 Hours!

If you read this ad would you pay attention?

A while ago I was given one of those daily calendars at the beginning of the year. It has a different church bulletin blooper on each day. One of the bloopers caught my attention.

“Our church will present a series of classes on various subjects throughout the month of March. The classes offered include: ‘How to Lose 100 Pounds, from 7-9 PM Monday.’”

Read the full post »

A Few Things to Remember

May 27th, 2010

Do you ever stop to think and forget to start again?

It seems as if the older I get to more I forget. I live by my to-do lists and handwritten notes. When I sit at a local coffee shop to read my Bible, I will always have an extra napkins on the table in order to capture quick thoughts that I don’t want to forget as I’m in the Word. It seems cheesy, but I’m the kinda guy that would go around with a string tied to my finger as a memory device.

Sadly, I’d probably forget why I have it on!!

In the Scriptures there are a number of things that we are told to remember. On this Memorial Weekend, I wanted to “remind” you of just a few.

1. Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy (Exodus 20:8)

2. Remember the commands of the Lord that you may obey them (Numbers 15:39)

3. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt (or slaves to sin) and the Lord your God redeemed you (Deuteronomy 15:15)

4. Remember the wonders God has done (1 Chronicles 16:12)

5. Remember the deeds of the Lord and the miracles of long ago (Psalm 77:11)

6. Remember how fleeting is my life (Psalm 89:47)

7. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

8. Remember if your brother has something against you…go and be reconciled (Matthew 5:23)

9. Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6)

10. Remember the poor (Galatians 2:10)

11. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead (2 Timothy 2:8)

12. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners (Hebrews 13:3)

13. Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you (Hebrews 13:7)

14. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do what you did at first (Revelation 2:5)

Just a friendly reminder from your friendly, neighborhood Foursquare Church Pastor…

John

A 21st Century Geek

May 20th, 2010

I’m a techno junkie.

I’ve got all the marks of a 21st century GEEK: iPhone, laptop, internet access, voicemail, Facebook & Twitter accounts, and soon…an iPad (Lord willing). If I ever needed to be reached there are about billion ways to do so at any given moment! The selling point for each modern burden, I mean, convenience, is that it will keep you better connected. Mankind is always striving for a higher level of integration and acceptance. Spiritual, emotional, physical and relational connection is the want and desire of many today.

Sadly, the exact opposite is true. Americans tend to be unconnected and isolated. Many do not even know the neighbors that live right next door. So many others have not experienced the authentic relationship that can be found in the person of Jesus Christ. The following are three connecting points to work on: Read the full post »

American Idols

May 14th, 2010

I was having a devotional time at a local café when I couldn’t help overhear some folks talking about a recent episode of American Idol. Admittedly, the Fehlen family has been watching for a couple of years and we’re getting down to the final batch of contestants, so I was interested (ie: eavesdropping!).

Like us, these folks were anticipating who the victor would be. Who would get the title of American Idol? They were absolutely ‘caught up’ in the hype and I think I noticed them beginning to froth at the mouth! As I quietly read the following passage from Revelation 9 I kept drifting in and out of their conversation: Read the full post »

Kingdom Prayer Path: The Basics

April 29th, 2010

For the last six weeks I have been writing to you about Jesus’ example of prayer found in Matthew 6. Let’s review what God originally exploded into my heart on a hot, Los Angeles freeway in my rental car.

Let this reminder serve as a template for your Kingdom Prayer Path.

Kingdom Presence
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”

Jesus taught us to begin prayer with the establishment of God’s incredible presence in our midst.

Kingdom Preeminence
“…your kingdom come, your will be done…”

Jesus challenges us to prayerfully consider the preeminence of God in the realm of our human context. YOUR kingdom and YOUR will…through our prayers these are being firmly enthroned upon earth as well as in heaven.

Kingdom Provision
“Give us his day our daily bread.”

In our prayers we are bringing our hearts to a place of both recognition and request. Recognition that the giver of all gifts and blessings is God Almighty. Request in humility, with a grateful heart, knowing that God awaits his approaching children and loves to help those in need.

Kingdom Priority
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

One of the most important priorities for Kingdom expansion is forgiveness. It’s just that simple.

Kingdom Protection
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”

Father God is the protector of our souls in a dangerous time. It’s dangerous because the Father of Lies awaits to steal, kill and destroy. But God has given us his Son who gives life to his children.

Kingdom Praise
“…for yours is he kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Just as our model of prayer began with an acknowledgment of God’s presence, so now its crescendos with the understanding that everything belongs to Him!

~ John

If you would like to submit a praise report or prayer request please click the link below or stop by our Prayer Booth in the Auditorium.

http://wsfc.org/resources/prayer/

Kingdom Praise

April 22nd, 2010

Some late manuscripts of the Bible conclude the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 with the following words:  “…for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.”

These are triumphant words that culminate in Kingdom Praise!  Just as our model of prayer began with an acknowledgment of God’s presence so now it crescendos with the understanding that everything belongs to Him!  The kingdom is HIS.  The power is HIS.  The glory is HIS.  Our God is an awesome God and He is worthy of all worship and praise.  To Him be the glory now and forever more.
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