the gods that Fail

September is flying by, but wow has this new series called, "Gods that fail," been a challenge to study, share and reflect on. The whole series is based on the verse "You Shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3). In the first week we covered the concept that, "We all worship something." We all have a choice to worship God (the creator) or a something (a created thing). Unfortunately we all find out the hard way that the created things fall horrible short of the one True and mighty God!

Last week we talked about money. Wow....to share the verse again that hit us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal."(Matthew 6:19) Now come on....this such a tough one Jesus...in our whole culture, we are so good at storing up things....and even more, determining our status from what we have (in our bank accounts, what we drive, what clothes we where).

But Jesus says 2 big things: First, "No one can serve 2 masters...no one can serve both God nad money."(Matthew 6:24) How true, if money is the only thing that we long for, our heart won't be set on worshipping God. Then Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you do not worry..."(Matthew 6:25) When we finally realize that we have to trust God more than we trust our money, then we will grow in our faith (and destroy these other cheap imitations of God).

The Bible is full of amazing and profound teachings that will help us grow!....this week...the god of romance & love! (a beautiful thing God has given us but something that will always enslave us if love becomes the ultimate thing!).
PW

fresh start for Fall

After yesterday's amazing Fall Kickoff service, it's exciting to see more and more people wanting to see how God can speak into their life in 2010. For all the people I meet, it's great to see how God calls people, over and over, he calls them to follow him.

2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

The patience of God with me, in all the areas I mess up is incredible. I'm thankful that God is waiting for us to turn to him and love him. I want to continue to keep my heart in check that I love him more than anything.

a lot of ....gods

As I start this new series, "Gods that Fail," I see more and more gods around us (things that are good things made into ultimate things). Case in point, as I sit in a coffee shop, and see many people longing for their cup of brew to get them through the day. What does it mean to be "addicted" to coffee....or any other good thing? It's a reality that our heart gets twisted and naturally turns away from God.

“These men have set up idols in their hearts.” Ezekiel 14:3

or Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

This is a tough series to preach (not sure which one is an easy one, as the Holy Spirit is always convicting us of sin and causes us to see Jesus and His love for us, and His hate for sin).

May God, the God and creator, be the one we worship above everything else.

moving forward....by holding onto God

Right now, things in the life of Gateway Community Church seem to be flying. God is moving in a way...bringing new people to the church, (people looking for a church that is on mission, looking for a healthy church, looking for a church that accepts them but calls them to change because of Jesus). Again I say, God is moving! I have conversations with people and they say, "God stirred in my heart to come to Gateway." And I say, "Wow!"

I am humbled and grateful to God that he has placed me in this incredible role....to serve, and encourage, and empower, and shepherd HIS people!

I came across this youtube video which really challenged me to again aim higher and ask God for His will and His ways to be done in me and in those around me.