Making the most of EVERY opportunity…

Like most of you, our family schedule has changed dramatically in the last few weeks.  And, due to the new stay at home order for the rest of April, we’re realizing that things will stay in this weird new “normal” for at least 30 days.  For our family (thankfully) there is still work, school, and the million things around the house needed to keep it clean and functioning…but other than that…our schedule is  MANDATORILY empty.  I was reminded of this scripture this morning as I thought about the upcoming month.  I’m hoping it will help you as you prioritize (and Capitalize) on your newly found “free time” as I hope it will ours…

Pastor Don

 

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Paul    (Ephesians 5:15-20) 

 

Peace in the Storm

 

If you’ve resolved NOT to panic during this worldwide storm brought on by the Covid19 virus, here’s some ancient (and yet somehow absolutely applicable) words from the prophet Isaiah.  They’ve been running through my mind and I wanted to share them with you.

You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
He humbles the proud
and brings down the arrogant city.
He brings it down to the dust.
The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot,
and the needy walk all over it.

But for those who are righteous,
the way is not steep and rough.
You are a God who does what is right,
and you smooth out the path ahead of them.

Isaiah 26:3-7

Focus on Jesus.  Trust HIM to make a path for you and your family through this storm.  Perfect peace is possible  (although difficult to say) in even the most fierce of life’s storms!

It all depends on what you focus on…

You are the light (house) of the world!

I keep hearing the term “non-essential businesses” or “non-essential” workers.  I THINK that the next few weeks will prove those “non-essential” folks to be JUST THE OPPOSITE as we realize how much their absence means to our lives and economy.   I KNOW that there are no “non-essential” Christians.  Not a single light (house) shining hope, faith, and the calm that comes from trusting in Jesus into the storm we call 2020 is non-essential.  Jesus said it this way-

1“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.-  Jesus

(Matthew 5:14-16) NLT

This is absolutely your time to SHINE…

Love God.  Love People.  Take action.

 

Psalm 91 (NLT)

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

at the movies 2016

Every August at actionchurch we fire up the popcorn maker, pop in a new release blu-ray, and use their plots to illustrate ancient truths from the Bible.  The movies we’ll be showing clips from, and the dates we’ll discuss them, are listed below.  If you haven’t seen them, it’s a painless opportunity to invite friends/family to watch them with you,  and then invite them to come with you on Sunday.

We’ll see you “at the movies”!

 

8/7/2016- Creed

8/14/2016- Star Wars (The Force Awakens)

8/21/2016- Joy

8/21/2016-Zootopia