Sunday, August 30, 2015

The Living Tableau- Repentance



Jeremiah 6:16
16 This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’


Pastor’s Notes

You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free. We need to stand free and know what true freedom is. Life is full of many choices and there is a sure path we can take. We all have to make decisions in various areas of life on a daily basis. Unfortunately, there are those things in this life that appear as one thing when they are actually something totally different. The truth about something can determine whether we make the right choices in life. Truth is not something that is relative to one situation and then changes to fit another situation. It is constant and unchanging. Having a working knowledge of Truth will help you make the right decisions in your life.

When we make the wrong decisions, repent and ask for forgiveness. God is faithful and just to forgive us of all of our sins and all unrighteousness.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

The Living Tableau- Examen



Philippians 1:9-10

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ


Pastor’s Notes

Finding direction for our lives can be accomplished through the practice of examen (also known as the “examination of consciousness”). The examen provides a way of noticing where God shows up in our day. It is a practice that attends to what we might otherwise miss in the press of duties and busyness.

The questions of the examen open our attention to how God’s internal movement is present in our external comings and goings. They lead us to listen deeply to the data of our lives. These questions help us pay attention to our mental state, our body responses and our emotional baggage. Our insomnia, nervous stomach, difficult interaction and headache can all take their place as a possible way of more deeply leaning into God. The examen helps us recognize the things that bring us death and life. Once these things are known, they become part of our ongoing interaction with God in prayer.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

The Living Tableau- Faith, Hope & Love



Matthew 22:37-39 
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself."

Pastor’s Notes

Jesus said that if we truly love God and our neighbors, we will naturally keep the commandments. This is looking at God’s laws positively, rather than worrying about all we should not do. We should concentrate on what we can do to show our love to God and humankind.

Faith is believing that God’s Word is true. Hope is the evidence of things not seen; therefore, we trust that God’s Word will come alive in each of our lives to lead, guide and direct us as we place our trust in Him. Love is the greatest of all. We practice loving others and treat others the way we want to be treated. Love sees the best in everyone and does not judge. God’s way is the only perfect way.

Sunday, August 2, 2015

The Living Tableau- Hope


Hebrews 6: 9 – 12 (NKJV)

9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of [a] love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.


Pastor’s Notes

It is easy to get discouraged, thinking God has forgotten us. God never forgets or overlooks our hard work that we put forth for Him. Presently, you may not be receiving rewards and acclaim, but God knows our efforts of love and ministry. Let God’s love for us and His intimate knowledge of our service with Him bolster us as we face disappointment and rejection here on earth.

Hope keeps the Christian from becoming lazy or feeling bored. If we follow the example of an athlete, we will train hard and run well, remembering the reward that lies ahead.