Prestoncrest Internet Ministry

 

April 20, 2008

Wow!

Well, I opened the door, and many of you took advantage of it. I appreciate all of the responses to me Sunday reflections question earlier this week. I continue to get responses with a great variety of ideas, suggestions, and concerns. Since I am still getting more, even through last night, I will hold off on my follow-up until later, allowing for the replies that are still to come. Please feel welcome to share your thoughts and ideas on how we should rethink “church” to make it even better. I have loved hearing from all of you. Usually, I try to reply back to most of the email I get from my FOTFD thoughts, but there have been way too many this week, there is no way for me to answer everyone and still keep up with the rest of my life. So allow me to thank everyone who has answered here and now, and with such loving hearts and attitudes. It is so great that you have felt comfortable sharing your honest thoughts.

Last night, I was fascinated to watch the storm roll through the Metroplex. We heard that they were coming all day and it was amazing to me to see them when they finally arrived. Up here in Frisco, they came through about 9:15 or so. Stacey and I stood outside on the front porch and just watched for a while and the storm surged through our neighborhood. I smelled it coming in and watched in awe as the rain and wind grew and eventually subsided. It was not a terrible storm, at least where we live. But watching the weather on the news, seeing what the storms looked like on the radar, and seeing some of the footage of what took place in various areas of our communities, brought me back to God.

I was reminded in one my favorite scenes in the movie twister. As a weather geek who really enjoys watching extreme weather, or even movies about it, I am awed by the power of weather. If you have seen the movie, you will no doubt remember the “finger of God” clip. You can watch that here as well. (Isn’t YouTube cool? It sure makes it easier to refer to videos when you can show them to others as well.)

Think of that statement, referring to the strongest tornados, which have winds in excess of 300 mph, as the “finger of God.” Now think of how the strength of only one of your fingers compares to the strength of your overall body. It’s pretty small isn’t it? Now think how powerful that analogy makes God, it still pales in comparison to the power that He actually has. It is more than just the power to destroy. It also includes the power to create, the whole word just by speaking at the creation, and most importantly, the power to love.

God loves us, even when we should be unlovable when we do things that break his heart on a daily basis. That is power, a love so strong it overcomes our mistakes, our bad choices, our sins. That is the love that conquered even death. Let the experiences you have, where you see tremendous power in nature, remind you of the creator of that power, the God who had the power to make everything that is powerful. Remember this God of power loves not only everyone, but you. He loves you! Love Him back and show Him how by your lifesong.

One of my favorite songs is “Lifesong” by Casting Crowns. The songs talks about how our life can be a song of praise and worship to God. Although I know there are many times when my life is not the song I want it to be. The thought that it can be a song of praise encourages me to live in a way to make Him happy. Enjoy the song in the video below.

May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
 - Lifesong – Casting Crowns

It is so fun for me to interact with all of you as we open our lives to each other. This morning, I’d like to ask where you see God’s power. Where in your life do you see something that reminds you of God and His love? Let me know with a quick (or detailed) reply. My goal in these weekly messages is to “open the door” for open communication, to be real with one another. I’d love for us as a congregation to share the powerful experiences that we have with one another, both the good and the bad. This is one place where this can be done if you like. You can add comments to the bottom of this page, sharing a powerful story from your life or affirming someone else who has shared their thoughts. If you feel up to it, please do so.

Now join me as we “Focus on the First Day.”

God bless,
Mike

Prayer Time

Ephesians 1:15-23

This week, a special Prayer Time will take place early in the service as we welcome and pray over some of our missionaries who will be in town and joining us in worship. Make a special effort to be there to greet and pray over them. Let’s thank them, and God, for the work they do to share His love throughout the world.

Communion

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Death holds no power for those who are in Christ Jesus. He holds the ultimate power, winning the war by returning from the dead. During the supper, remember that this was the main purpose for Jesus’ life on earth. Rejoice in that victory and that we are on His side, now and forever.

Sermon

“Waste: Looking for a Purpose” (Bob Chisholm)
Luke 15

I don’t know about you, but Bob has been challenging me in this series on the parables. (Did anyone else think “thank goodness I’m not like the Pharisee?”) This Sunday, Bob continues that series by looking at a series of parables, all related, that shows what God thinks about those who are lost and how we wants us to respond to them. Be there Sunday morning to hear this powerful message about Reaching Out.

We are encouraged to be a family of believers that choose to come together each week in worship. Come this Sunday with a desire to not just come to church, but come to truly be the church.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 18th, 2008 at 11:15 am and is filed under FOTFD. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.