Sleep Aid
Last night I was looking through the over the counter sleep aids when I saw this. Look at the top of the box…
Now, if you look closely you will see that this is the non-drowsy formula. If you are in the market for a sleep aid isn’t this the wrong sort of information to include on your box? Maybe its just me but if I need help falling asleep…then I want all the drowsiness they can include legally!
The Strength of the Christian Family
Yesterday we took time during our service to pray for a family from Christian Life Center that lost their child in a horrific accident. During terrible tragedies like this, the true spirit of the church family at-large can be seen. We are one in spirit regardless of denomination or affiliation as we are all one through Christ our Lord. Please ROCC continue to pray for this family. You can read more about this horrible situation by following the links that are on Pastor Jerry’s blog.
Let us show the love of Christ by reaching out in love and support!
Surprise!
Yesterday we received an unexpected gift in the mail. I am always amazed when God moves on a persons heart and then when people are obedient. We received a gift from a person that attends another church yet in the note they said they have enjoyed listening to the sermons posted on our website. I just praise God for technology and the ability to reach people that we may never meet till we reach heaven! Let this be an encouragement to you that God is really moving on our behalf and that He is getting ready to something beyond our imagination!
Thank You JESUS!
Face to Face
Yesterday’s reading from the Daily Bible really struck a cord in me. Check this out:
Exodus 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his
friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua
son of Nun did not leave the tent.
First thing that hit me was the relationship that we see between God and Moses. Notice the bible says that the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. We often speak about a relationship with God but here we see that God would just come and hang out and chat with Moses. There is something special that happens when we get together a friend and just hang out. In today’s world of text messaging and FaceBook and all these other forms of electronic communication we tend to take for granted the face time. When I was dating Camille I remember just wanting to talk on the phone with her for hours yet…there was even more joy when I got to see her face to face.
I pray for the day when the Lord will say that He meets with me face to face!
The next thing that hit was Joshua would not leave the tent…what was he doing? Was he having a little face time with God as well? Or is possible that he was just simply enjoying the fact that he had been in the presence of God?
Fellowship
Last night Camille and I had an awesome time hanging out with one of the newer families to our church. I had no idea how much we could find to talk about! One of the best parts of what I do is really getting a chance to get know people and giving them an opportunity to know me. Also, I thank God for such a wonderful wife! Even after working her job she still takes the time to be with me when we have these opportunities. God really knew what He was doing when He put us together. I cannot imagine taking this adventure of life without Camille by my side! So after a great meal and simply incredible desert and our 5 hour conversation we finally headed home. Full and satisfied! God is Great and it is great when we take the time to get know others that are committing themselves to this Christian journey.
Now tonight we will be heading to South Holland’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner! More good food!!!
reflections
What a weekend!
Saturday
We went to Mount Wilmont for our second annual ROCC ski trip. This year was so much fun! We had a few new people and a few repeats from last year. It is always great watching people return the slopes with a little more confidence. My only problem was actually trying to snow board for the first time. My body is really sore! I had no idea how much harder that would be than skiing!
Sunday
Today was an incredible service. I am really encouraged by all those that are making a commitment to try and test God and to begin tithing. Also, after service we had a great luncheon with our greeters and future greeters. It is always a great time hanging with our volunteers and leaders. Then we had a great turn out for our first ever members only foundations class. It is awesome to see so many adults committing to learning the basic truths of God. Lastly, as I was leaving the church tonight my heart was glad to see how many young guys were coming in to play ball and learn about the Lord!
I guess I am just really overwhelmed by seeing everything functioning so well! Praise God for the ROCC leaders and congregation!!!
Now it’s time to soak these old sore bones!
Funeral
First off, let me just thank you all for your prayers and support as we prepare to celebrate the life of Aunt Sheila Price. Aunt Sheila and Uncle Charles have always been very dear family members to Camille and it was very difficult to watch Aunt Sheila as she struggled to fight the cancer which had consumed her body. Now she has the ultimate victory. Aunt Sheila loved the Lord with all her heart so we know that she has been transformed and is celebrating being in the very presence of the Lord. She is no longer racked with pain and discomfort. We are left to mourn our earthly loss while heaven celebrates that arrival of another child.
The service information is as follows:
Wake – Friday, 1/23/09 from 4pm - 8pm at W.W. Holt Funeral Home in Harvey
Viewing — Saturday, 1/24/09 from 9am - 10am at River Oaks Community Church
Service — Saturday, 1/24/09 10am at River Oaks Community Church
Interment — Saturday, 1/24/09 12:30pm at Homewood Memorial Gardens
WOW!
Ok…for those that know me you know I do not go around promoting myself! This post has nothing to do with me and is all about God! During this time of consecration God has really been speaking to me about the foundation and basics of our faith. This week I was preparing a message about the basic discipline of prayer and then God came in and really ignited something inside of me. There are principles laid out for us in the Old Testament that can really help us when we apply them to where we are now. This Sunday we will examine how to put one of the oldest Old Testament truths to work in our prayer life. If you have ever had anyone ask you how they should pray…then get on the phone and invite them to come out this Sunday as God shows us how to enter into His divine and Holy presence!
Stopping Short
There are so many times in life that we stop short of the things that God has for us. We become content with where we are rather than continuing our journey to the place that God has set in our hearts. While doing the bible reading yesterday I came across a passage that I never payed much attention to before. Look at Genesis 11:31
One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai (his son Abram’s wife), and his grandson Lot (his son Haran’s child) and moved away from Ur of the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there.
When I read this I stopped because I see that Terah decided to do something bold. He took his family and headed off to Canaan. Now I don’t know if the Lord spoke with him and told him to go as He later instructed Abram to go, all I know is that “One Day” he left and took Abram, Sarai and Lot. What miracles and blessings did Terah miss out on all because he got comfortable in Haran? The thing that gets me is that Terah was headed to the place that the Lord directed Abram to. It is obvious that God was determined to get Abram to the promise land one way or another. It just hurts to know that Terah was going to be there as well if he had not stopped short! He died without ever knowing what God had for his family and who knows what he would have become had he just been obedient and pushed his way through!
Where are you in life? Are you pushing for the best God has for you or have you gotten comfortable and settled for Haran? God’s best is always a struggle as the devil constantly wants us to sell ourselves short and mess the blessings of God. Stay strong, stay courageous and stay determined to keep on the course which God has set before you!
Fasting
River Oaks Community Church has begun a 14 day fast as we seek the Lord for direction and wisdom. I really believe that this discipline is one that needs to be reestablished in the western culture. Matthew 6:16-18 shows us that Jesus expected Christians to fast just as much as He expects us to give and to pray. Now all across tis great nation you will find no shortage of messages on giving and praying…yet how often do we discuss the spiritual discipline of fasting. In the Message Translation it calls fasting an appetite denying discipline. That really got me thinking…what appetite do we need to deny so we can concentrate more on God? Well, if you are up for the journey then tag along on this time of consecration and turn some meals aside. We will have the church open each evening from 7pm - 9pm for a time of prayer as we make this journey together. Also, I plan on updating this blog daily during this time as the Lord gives new illumination.