The Power of Your Thoughts
Read: Philippians 4:8-14 What occupies your thoughts?  What do you think about when you go to sleep or when you wake up?   Apparently, what we think about has the power to not only affect the way we think, but also to change who we are! The power of positive thinking is being sold by everyone from Oprah to Zig Ziggler, and (as is often true) it seems that they have stumbled upon the great gift of grace God has given us without acknowledging the giver or understanding the purpose of the gift.   God has much to say about what you do with your mind and what things you fill your mind
Rejoice Always?
Read: Philippians 4:2-7  "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." I LOVE this passage! I chose this passage as the text for one of my first Bible teaching experiences. When I was in high school, I was asked to lead an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meeting at a neighboring school. It was a small gathering of about 15 students, and I remember sitting in that circle and exploding in what was probably unintelligible chaos. I wanted to communicate the wonder and glory that had overwhelmed my soul just a year or two prior in hopes that they might experience it themselves and have the same response I had...joy! As
Mediation for Preparation – Oct 3rd
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING? Written by Daniel Creswell Read:  Philippians 3:17-4:1 What gets you out of bed in the morning?  Maybe it's the smell of a fresh pot of coffee and bacon frying in the skillet?  Maybe it's the hope of accomplishment, achievement or recognition at work?  Maybe it's the idea that the students who sit under your teaching may one day change the world? Or maybe it's the chance to see your best friend on the school bus? If you are like me, all of those things had great appeal at one time (Honestly, the smell of coffee and bacon
Meditation for Preparation – Sept 26
Awe Isn’t Just for Special Occasions Do you ever stop to think about what brings you the feeling of awe? Or maybe the last time you were truly in awe? How did it feel? How did it affect your mind? Heart? Soul? Maybe a better question would be, do you look for opportunities or places to be in awe? The feeling of awe has been shown in studies to diminish one’s sense of self. You understand your “smallness” when observing the vastness of a truly great thing. Maybe you have felt this at the beach or on top of a
Meditation for Preparation – Sept 19
READ: Philippians 3:1-11 “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8) Counting on The One Who Counts A Reflection on Knowing Jesus What do you count? The amount of money in your bank account? Calories burned or steps walked? The number of “likes” on your social media posts? The number of people you manage at work or kids you have? How many achievements you’ve earned or awards you’ve
Meditation for Preparation – Sept. 12th
Read: Philippians 2:19-30 The Interests of Jesus Christ What is God’s will for you? Do you have a clear sense of it? Many of us struggle to find God’s will, looking for clear signs as to whom we should marry, what job we should take, where we should live. We ask friends, “What should I do?” We search scripture for a verse to claim. We study all the options, pray and pray, and still often continue in indecision. But in our passage this week, Paul describes two friends who have no question about what they should do. Philippians 2: 19-30
Meditation for Preparation – Sept. 5, 2021
Hortatory Letter of Friendship While studying and reading to write this Meditation for Preparation, I came across a commentary on Philippians by Dr. Gordon Fee. His commentary begins by making the argument that the letter to the Philippians is a “Hortatory Letter of Friendship.'' If you are like me, “hortatory” isn’t a word that is in your everyday correspondence. Hortatory can be understood as exhorting or encouraging as well as edifying, advising, and instructing. This struck me in an illuminating way. Why? Because, when studying Philippians 2:12-18, my legalistic, rule follower, to-do list, type “A” personality can view verses such
Entermissions Fodder
This 6 minute video points out the need to send workers to “frontier peoples” who have no way to hear of Jesus.  Watch this and pray and get fired up for Entermissions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZQDJNUOty4
Meditation for Preparation – Aug. 29, 2021
Cross Cultural Missions Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:11-12  On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.
Meditation for Preparation – Aug 22nd
READ: Acts 16 When is the last time someone “showed up” for you? Not just in a text message or emoji prayer hands ?, but actually showed up in person—flesh and blood— at your door? For me, I can’t help but think about November 12th, the worst day of my life. The young Rolesville boy who died in the flash floods was my child. My son. As I fought to catch my breath, comfort my other children, and get myself off the floor… people came running. Family, friends, North Wake Elders. They hugged us, wept with us and prayed for
