"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
PHILIPPIANS 3:20
Philippians 3:20 tells us our citizenship is in Heaven.
This earth is not our home.
When people whose citizenship in another country come to live in the U.S., they must apply for and be granted a visa.
Make your own visa (type R for regular, H1/B for Non-Immigrant Worker type: Temporary Visitor for Business). Fill it out with your information, then cut it out and carry with you to remind you that you are a citizen of Heaven, with temporary living privileges in the U.S.
When Christ comes, you will no longer need your visa. You will be going HOME!! To YOUR country – the home prepared for you by Christ! Are you excited about His return? Are you ANTICIPATING it? Is there someone you know who is not ready for His return? What will you do this week to prepare them for His return?
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Week 8 Assignments (Anticipation: The 2nd Coming)
How Do You Wait?
1. Start a new tradition. What do you do as you build anticipation for…Christmas? (decorations, baking, music, shopping) A coming child? (baby showers, budget, nursery) Vacation? (plan, pray, pack) Birthday? (invitations, parties, gifts)
How can you build anticipation for the coming of Christ?
Brainstorm ideas with your family for starting a new tradition to celebrate this great expectation.
2. Spend time in the Word with James 5:7,8; 1 Corinthians 16:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 2 Peter 3:10-13.
What encouragement do you gain from these words?
How can you encourage others with them?
3. Don’t waste the wait! Get your head out of the sand; spend your “waiting time” for the Second Coming productively. Try these ideas (adapted from how to pass time while waiting in line at Walt Disney World!).
* Initiate conversations with those next to you in lines (in stores, on planes, in doctor’s offices). Ask them if they know Jesus. Many new friendships begin this way.
* Bring your Bible with you to the ball field, to the lunchroom, to the playground.
* Listen to Christian music on your iPod or walkman—and sing out loud so others can hear the words.
* People-watch!—and pray for those you see.
* Play I-Spy with works of God’s creation, then praise Him for them.
1. Start a new tradition. What do you do as you build anticipation for…Christmas? (decorations, baking, music, shopping) A coming child? (baby showers, budget, nursery) Vacation? (plan, pray, pack) Birthday? (invitations, parties, gifts)
How can you build anticipation for the coming of Christ?
Brainstorm ideas with your family for starting a new tradition to celebrate this great expectation.
2. Spend time in the Word with James 5:7,8; 1 Corinthians 16:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 2 Peter 3:10-13.
What encouragement do you gain from these words?
How can you encourage others with them?
3. Don’t waste the wait! Get your head out of the sand; spend your “waiting time” for the Second Coming productively. Try these ideas (adapted from how to pass time while waiting in line at Walt Disney World!).
* Initiate conversations with those next to you in lines (in stores, on planes, in doctor’s offices). Ask them if they know Jesus. Many new friendships begin this way.
* Bring your Bible with you to the ball field, to the lunchroom, to the playground.
* Listen to Christian music on your iPod or walkman—and sing out loud so others can hear the words.
* People-watch!—and pray for those you see.
* Play I-Spy with works of God’s creation, then praise Him for them.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Whose Life Is It Anyway?
Mine?
Or His?
When we sign our life away on the dotted line of Christianity, there is something we give up. Something big.
Our rights.
We give up the right to remain silent. The right to please only ourselves. The right to do what we want with our time. The right to spend our money however we please. The right to read whatever we want, watch whatever we want, listen to whatever we want.
But we also give up something much bigger: our eternal death. By voluntarily laying down our lives for Christ, he removes the real killer, the deadly consequences of our sin.
After the Word became flesh, the flesh would never be the same. Christ’s willingness to humbly compact his Deity into the shape of a human body was the bottom-line trade-off of his life for my life. An unbelievable bargain for me, but an absolutely unsurpassable sacrifice for him.
So when I live for me, that’s not genuine life—just an imitation of life. But when I live for Christ, I get the real deal—abundant, eternal life.
[Christ Jesus] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death
—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:7, 8
Or His?
When we sign our life away on the dotted line of Christianity, there is something we give up. Something big.
Our rights.
We give up the right to remain silent. The right to please only ourselves. The right to do what we want with our time. The right to spend our money however we please. The right to read whatever we want, watch whatever we want, listen to whatever we want.
But we also give up something much bigger: our eternal death. By voluntarily laying down our lives for Christ, he removes the real killer, the deadly consequences of our sin.
After the Word became flesh, the flesh would never be the same. Christ’s willingness to humbly compact his Deity into the shape of a human body was the bottom-line trade-off of his life for my life. An unbelievable bargain for me, but an absolutely unsurpassable sacrifice for him.
So when I live for me, that’s not genuine life—just an imitation of life. But when I live for Christ, I get the real deal—abundant, eternal life.
[Christ Jesus] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death
—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:7, 8
Week 7 Assignments (My Life in Christ)
What’s Next?
This week, experiment with one or all of these ideas about LIFE:
1. Take a survey of your current devotional life. Nonexistent? Sporadic? Consistent? Ask yourself: Would my life be different if I spent more time with God? Then try it and see.
2. Got Life?
Don’t be destroyed by lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Do some investigative work in the Word this week on what “life” in Christ really means.
3. This is your life.
Think about 3-4 significant spiritual events in your life. Write a paragraph about one of the events, detailing its effect on who you are today.
4. Memorize this pivotal verse about Christ’s sacrifice:
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
This week, experiment with one or all of these ideas about LIFE:
1. Take a survey of your current devotional life. Nonexistent? Sporadic? Consistent? Ask yourself: Would my life be different if I spent more time with God? Then try it and see.
2. Got Life?
Don’t be destroyed by lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Do some investigative work in the Word this week on what “life” in Christ really means.
3. This is your life.
Think about 3-4 significant spiritual events in your life. Write a paragraph about one of the events, detailing its effect on who you are today.
4. Memorize this pivotal verse about Christ’s sacrifice:
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Thursday, October 12, 2006
"Will You Pray for Me?"
Intercessory prayer is going to bat for your brother. Or neighbor. Or stranger halfway across the world. Maybe they’re talking to God, too. Maybe they’re not.
It’s one of the most important things you can do for someone. So don’t take it lightly when someone asks you to pray for them. And certainly don’t DO it lightly.
Intercessory prayer is serious stuff. It takes diligence. It requires patience. It demonstrates love.
* WHO can do it?
Only priests. Do you qualify? Ask Peter and John. (1)
* WHAT do I ask for you?
Paul wrote (2):
That He will give you the Spirit
of wisdom and revelation
That you will be filled with fruit of righteousness
That you will know Him better
That He will enlighten the eyes of your heart to know hope
That your love will abound in knowledge and insight
That Christ will dwell in your heart
That He will strengthen you with power
That you will know Christ’s love
That you will be filled with knowledge of His will
That you will please Him in every way
That you will overflow with love for others
That you will be worthy of His calling
That He will fulfill every good purpose of yours
That you will be strengthened in every good deed
That He will give you peace at all times and in every way
* HOW OFTEN do I ask?
Always. Night and day, most earnestly. Constantly. Don’t stop. Keep asking. (3)
The Lord sincerely desires for me to pray for you, and for you to pray for me. So let’s approach the throne confidently and expectantly that not only will He hear us, but that He eagerly awaits the conversation and is most ready to act.
(1) 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6
(2) Eph. 1:17-19; 3:16-19; Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 3:12-13, 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 2:16-17; 2 Thess. 3:16
(3) 1 Thess 1:2; 3:10; 5:17; Phil 1:3,4; 2 Thess 1:11; Col 1:9; Eph 1:17
It’s one of the most important things you can do for someone. So don’t take it lightly when someone asks you to pray for them. And certainly don’t DO it lightly.
Intercessory prayer is serious stuff. It takes diligence. It requires patience. It demonstrates love.
* WHO can do it?
Only priests. Do you qualify? Ask Peter and John. (1)
* WHAT do I ask for you?
Paul wrote (2):
That He will give you the Spirit
of wisdom and revelation
That you will be filled with fruit of righteousness
That you will know Him better
That He will enlighten the eyes of your heart to know hope
That your love will abound in knowledge and insight
That Christ will dwell in your heart
That He will strengthen you with power
That you will know Christ’s love
That you will be filled with knowledge of His will
That you will please Him in every way
That you will overflow with love for others
That you will be worthy of His calling
That He will fulfill every good purpose of yours
That you will be strengthened in every good deed
That He will give you peace at all times and in every way
* HOW OFTEN do I ask?
Always. Night and day, most earnestly. Constantly. Don’t stop. Keep asking. (3)
The Lord sincerely desires for me to pray for you, and for you to pray for me. So let’s approach the throne confidently and expectantly that not only will He hear us, but that He eagerly awaits the conversation and is most ready to act.
(1) 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6
(2) Eph. 1:17-19; 3:16-19; Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 3:12-13, 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 2:16-17; 2 Thess. 3:16
(3) 1 Thess 1:2; 3:10; 5:17; Phil 1:3,4; 2 Thess 1:11; Col 1:9; Eph 1:17
Week 6 Assignments (Intercessory Prayer)
Can we do it?
1. Take a prayer walk. Pair up with a friend or Life Talk and take a walk around the neighborhood. Pray over the families that live there and the activities that go on. Don’t do it to be seen, but to see.
2. Collect-a-Prayer. Set up a prayer area in your home with a small basket, a pen, paper, Bible, and notecards. Place names in the basket of “the one” non-believers that you are praying for this year. Light a candle to remind you to pray for Christ to light up their lives.
3. Today’s prayer is…. Focus on one group at a time.
Allocate your Sunday prayer time for our church family.
Monday—your immediate family.
Tuesday—extended family.
Wednesday—close friends.
Thursday—neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances.
Friday—the lost around the world.
Saturday—yourself!
4. Memorize this verse for those you pray for:
I pray…that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:18,19
1. Take a prayer walk. Pair up with a friend or Life Talk and take a walk around the neighborhood. Pray over the families that live there and the activities that go on. Don’t do it to be seen, but to see.
2. Collect-a-Prayer. Set up a prayer area in your home with a small basket, a pen, paper, Bible, and notecards. Place names in the basket of “the one” non-believers that you are praying for this year. Light a candle to remind you to pray for Christ to light up their lives.
3. Today’s prayer is…. Focus on one group at a time.
Allocate your Sunday prayer time for our church family.
Monday—your immediate family.
Tuesday—extended family.
Wednesday—close friends.
Thursday—neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances.
Friday—the lost around the world.
Saturday—yourself!
4. Memorize this verse for those you pray for:
I pray…that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:18,19
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Excerpts from the Worship Blog
Grace is complex yet simple…Although I tell Him how thankful I am every day, believe me, I welcome the opportunity to tell Him one day face to face.
* * *
I don't really have a "favorite" name of God…I just like that He has so many! He's so…BIG that one name isn't enough- he needs a whole bunch.
* * *
Many have influenced my Christian walk: Sandra, Sharon,..
* * *
My favorite name of God is "The Creator"…has all the elements of an ambitious talented entity. It brings together nature and the arts. Just look around. God's creativity is everywhere.
* * *
We were asked last week to think of a quality of God. I thought a lot about the sovereignty of God…. I read this article today…an example of a complete trust in our God, El Shaddai (God Almighty)!
* * *
To humble ourselves before God without reservation, this is the goal and struggle of worship.
* * *
Alive..approved..built up ..chosen..standing firm..in Christ.
* * *
When I hear the word "worship" I think about the word "freedom".
* * *
There were improvements in strength and stamina…but also spiritual growth that come from spending time together on a consistent basis.
* * *
Sitting alone in the swing, Grandpa’s old hands open a tattered shape note songbook. “When I look down from lofty mountain’s grandeur… Then sings my soul, my Savoir, God to Thee…” It is his time of worship and thanks to Abba.
* * *
It really felt like I was looking right into the face of Jesus. It was one of those moments that should never have to end!
* * *
When we get those occasional glimpses into what it really means to know the Creator of the universe, (what we really have in Christ right this very minute!) the only appropriate response is thankful worship.
* * *
No matter what is going on in my life and no matter how bad things seem, there is only one answer --GOD!!!
* * *
* * *
I don't really have a "favorite" name of God…I just like that He has so many! He's so…BIG that one name isn't enough- he needs a whole bunch.
* * *
Many have influenced my Christian walk: Sandra, Sharon,..
* * *
My favorite name of God is "The Creator"…has all the elements of an ambitious talented entity. It brings together nature and the arts. Just look around. God's creativity is everywhere.
* * *
We were asked last week to think of a quality of God. I thought a lot about the sovereignty of God…. I read this article today…an example of a complete trust in our God, El Shaddai (God Almighty)!
* * *
To humble ourselves before God without reservation, this is the goal and struggle of worship.
* * *
Alive..approved..built up ..chosen..standing firm..in Christ.
* * *
When I hear the word "worship" I think about the word "freedom".
* * *
There were improvements in strength and stamina…but also spiritual growth that come from spending time together on a consistent basis.
* * *
Sitting alone in the swing, Grandpa’s old hands open a tattered shape note songbook. “When I look down from lofty mountain’s grandeur… Then sings my soul, my Savoir, God to Thee…” It is his time of worship and thanks to Abba.
* * *
It really felt like I was looking right into the face of Jesus. It was one of those moments that should never have to end!
* * *
When we get those occasional glimpses into what it really means to know the Creator of the universe, (what we really have in Christ right this very minute!) the only appropriate response is thankful worship.
* * *
No matter what is going on in my life and no matter how bad things seem, there is only one answer --GOD!!!
* * *
Week 5 Assignments (Psalms)
1. Share a Psalm. Handwrite a verse (or a whole Psalm!) and give it as a gift to a friend this week. It will be treasured.
2. Spend 5-10 minutes daily this week reading in Psalms.
3. Personalize Psalm 145. Read it aloud, inserting your name and your personal circumstances as appropriate. Give this offering of praise to the Father from you.
4. Memorize as much of Psalm 34 as you can! You won’t regret it. (And you may know more than you realize.)
Here are a few verses to get you going:
7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
2. Spend 5-10 minutes daily this week reading in Psalms.
3. Personalize Psalm 145. Read it aloud, inserting your name and your personal circumstances as appropriate. Give this offering of praise to the Father from you.
4. Memorize as much of Psalm 34 as you can! You won’t regret it. (And you may know more than you realize.)
Here are a few verses to get you going:
7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)