Almost Christmas...

I should be saying something kind of "Christmas-ey."  So, I'm not going to.

Recently a good friend was challenged by the idea of success.  So I have thought, about that...a lot.  

What really makes us successful?

Let’s talk about the world’s view of success compared to God’s view.  

According to the dictionary success is "… the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors, the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or stuff like that".  -- This definition of success is based on tangible things and what other people think of you.  (O.K. I added the "stuff like that part.")

However, there is a path to success that is TRUE and FOUNDED upon God’s word.

1 Kings 2:3  (NIV)

3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: (1) Walk in obedience to him, and (2) keep his decrees and commands, (3) his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go

Success for the believer is based on the Word and not attempts at gaining worldly popularity or material gain. 

When you grasp the first three principles of success, a fourth principle becomes obvious.  If we read 1 Kings 3 - you discover what God adds. God asked Solomon, “What do you want?” And Solomon requested wisdom.

To be a successful Christian, we need to keep  three points in focus — what to eliminate, what to retain, what to evaluate — if we do that God will add a measure that will allow us to be successful with excellence.

In 1 Kings 2, Solomon had already shown wisdom. This is an example of spiritual giftedness being used as natural ability.

Spiritual ability and sensitivity is what the Holy Spirit gives beyond our natural ability. So ... Solomon gets to use his natural wisdom in 1 Kings 2, and his faithfulness results in the giving of supernatural wisdom in 1 Kings 3.

Once you've been as fair as you know how, let God direct what comes next.  The ultimate discernment for what you should be doing lies with God and the wisdom He provides to us all...that is true success!

Joshua 1:8  (NIV)

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Hey friends...let go, - Let God - and you will always be a success!  Can I get an amen?

...and I am just sayin'...

- Kelly

The Storyteller

It's Christmas - time.  Time - to tell the story of Christmas.  No...not the story of crushing lines at Walmart, nor the story of a great meal prepared.  This is the time to tell the story of Jesus. Remember this..."I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.  I love to tell the story...because I know 'tis true..." Is this true for you?  I like to tell a good story...it's a lost art.  What if we told a good story...in the community of faith.  Remember - we used to tell stories ...some would call them testimonies. Revelation 12:11 (NIV) "They triumphed over him,  By the blood of the Lamb, And by the word of their testimony..." Sharing our faith, "our story" publicly is a step in spiritual growth and personal ministry. There is a great peace and joy that comes by honoring God with your life and your words.  You are The storyteller. We build up the church when we hear about God's working among His people. We gain strength from hearing about how God saw someone through a challenge. Our faith grows and our doubts are dealt with.  Our stories build the body of believers. The listener who identifies says, “Their story sounds like my story.”  In some way our lives connect with the storyteller.  Somehow what was shared gives hope where the listener thought there was no hope. They are not alone, they know now. Someone else has been through what they are going through. "I don't know Jesus..." proclaims the listener who is lost.  If I don't know Jesus, I have now heard how I could know Him. If I have not heard about how he can change lives, now I have heard it is possible. If all I have known about Jesus was political or tainted in some way, I can now balance that out with a true story according to a person like me. Tell the story of Christmas...."because we know it's true...." And by the way...I'm just sayin'. See Ya' Soon! Kelly

Don't Miss This

Do you remember your "bestest" ever Christmas, or your worst ever?  Do you remember when you could hardly wait for Christmas?

Advent is a time to wait, listen and think about the awesome wonder of God - a God who sent his only son as a baby to save us. I wonder if we should pause and spend some time this Christmas season reflecting on God's gift of incredible love. 

The season of Advent is a time for prayer and the reformation of our hearts.

Isn't it interesting that it comes at winter time?  Fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent.  If Christ is to come fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer.  Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts.

The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before… .

What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you.  And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God fade into the distance.

This Christmas...

Stay.  Sit.  Linger.  Tarry.   Ponder. Wait.   Behold.  Wonder. Cool your jets!  There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing.

For now, stay. Wait. Something, SOMEONE is on the horizon!

...and you know me, I'm just sayin.'

See Ya Soon

Kelly

"Last Sunday's Worship"

The events of the last few days prevented me from sending this early...but I did not forget...here it is...

Right up front I will apologize that this is longer than usual.

Worship.  Contemporary, traditional, lights on / lights off, loud or soft, beat box or drums, one song sang for 10 minutes or five songs sang for 20...

Whether you define worship as the entire Sunday Morning service - or a portion of the service...worship connects us to God. 

Worship is one gift that he who has nothing can give to Him who owns everything” (Mark 12:30).

I know when you think of me, you don't think soft and fuzzy (at least you better not!)  But there is a side to me that goes beyond mere desire and runs head long into passion and that is the side that says fall at His feet and worship Him.  In July, 1995 - I wrote the following ... During a Sunday morning worship service.

Last Sunday's Worship

It was better last Sunday,

Than it was today.

Something about the service,

Did we forget to pray?

Last Sunday, the church was ready,

People came to praise the Lord.

But, then, that was last Sunday...

Today - the church seemed bored.

During prayer last Sunday,

Many came forward to pray.

Today, from our soft and cushioned pews,

We Would not begin to stray.

Worship came last Sunday,

God's people did rejoice.

But, then, that was last Sunday

And today, worship was just a choice.

Last Sunday the choir sang,

"I was there when the spirit came..."

And "Something About That Name."

But, today, in our service...it just wasn't the same.

The art of song and music

Has seemed to take the place

Of singing songs to Jesus

...about His amazing grace.

Let's talk about Jesus

The words of the songs did say.

But no one seemed to talk to him,

So Jesus went away.

What about our worship today,

Did we give to Him our all?

Did we hear the Spirit beckon...

Did we return the Savior's call?

How often do we think of Sunday,

The worship that lies ahead?

Do we Dare to ask this question...

"Lord, was it My spirit that was dead?"

Something to think about when you're just sayin.'

Kelly

Have a great Thanksgiving - and we will see you on Sundee! (Sunday for Lil' Kel)

What work do you do?

Jesus was totally intent on doing one thing -- the work his Father had sent him to do.

We all have work to do...but, are we satisfied doing the work that God has called us to?  If Jesus could do nothing by himself, what does that say about us?

I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.  John 6:38 NIV

 In John 5:19-20  (NIV) Jesus gave the disciples this answer... “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

In the Gospels, we read that some people asked Jesus, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” (John 6:28).

Wow! They were feeling pretty important, because ... Only God can do the works of God!

Jesus’ answer instructs us all: “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (v.29).

Whatever we have to do, then, whether teaching a Sunday school class, leading a small group, telling the gospel story to our neighbor, or preaching to thousands, or sharing with one - it must be done by faith. There is no other way to “work the works of God.”

Our responsibility is to serve God faithfully, wherever He has placed us. Then we are to leave the results to Him. As Jesus reminded His disciples in John 15:5, “Without Me you can do nothing.”

The work of the Lord for us has been done— Jesus has paid the supreme sacrifice; 

Our service for God has only begun— And nothing we do can help pay the price. —Hess

 Christ’s work on the cross equips us to do good works for Him.

And it goes without saying...I'm just Sayin'

See You Soon....Kelly

Worship

Worship isn’t easy...It’s not.

Imagine that God said — “travel 200 miles by car.”  So you get into your car and drive 200 miles.  No problem.

But what if you ignored the part about the car — and tried to travel 200 miles by walking?

Big problem.  But that’s what we do,  too often that’s what we do with worship.

We ignore the words “by the Spirit of God.”  We enter into worship thinking we can worship by our own power.

But then ... We get discouraged or give up.

The good news is that God gives us all the help we need so we can worship.

That’s what Paul tells us in Philippians 3, where he says that we “worship by the Spirit of God” (Phil 3:3).

That crucial word “by”...not like bye, bye, nor is it like buy...it is "BY"

When Paul says we worship by the Spirit of God, he means –  we are not able to worship God on our own...We need help to be able to worship.

Help comes when we seek the work of the Holy Spirit...meditate on  the truth of who God is...and

THEN ... Set our heart's on the truth of God, and ----

 Behold Him. 

    Think on Him. 

        Trust Him.        Then just lift your voice and declare to God.

God, You are glorious — loving — faithful - and I will worship You!

And you know, I'm just sayin'....

Kelly

Beatitudes

Are you tired?

Worn Out?

Exhausted?

...just plain Grumpy?

Then you need....Pastor Kelly's ...  Poly unsaturated, quick dissolving, fast acting, pleasant tasting ...green and purple pills - some call them M  &  M's.

What "WE" need is a heaping, helping, healthy dose of the  "BE" attitudes...

B  lessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is The Kingdom

E  ndeavor always to be humble

A  ttitude of gratitude

T  hirsting for righteousness

I  ngesting His Word

T  ruth fulfilled

U  nending are His mercies

D  esiring all to be saved

E  ternal life for His children

S  alvation of our souls!

Choose to "B" 2Day ...no worries - just checking my texting skills.

See You Tonight - -and -- you know I'm Just Sayin.'

-Kelly

Christian Exceptionalism

"American Exceptionalism" ...I heard this term yesterday as I was listening to Rush. (I know you find that hard to believe!) Exceptionalism is the perception that a country, society, institution, movement, or time period is "exceptional" in some way. ...so I began to think...what if we...as the followers of Jesus, were to practice... "Christian Exceptionalism" Joyce Meyer once said, "Excellent people exceed expectations."  If people were to describe your walk with Christ, would excellence come to mind or simply mediocrity? Colossians 3:17 says, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . . " and later Paul writes, "Whatever you do, work at It with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" (Colossians 3:23-24). Excellence does not necessarily mean the absence of mistakes, but it does mean the presence of faith and determination. To be excellent at whatever God has called you to do, you must first ask for His strength... And...this leads us to our Bible Study tonight - "Strength" - Zachariah 12:5 ... "Great STRENGTH comes from God.!" As you know I am just sayin'.  See You Tonight - Bring your Bible of choice. - Kelly

A Mystery

It's a mystery...Does faith make life easier, or burdens lighter?  Don't believers have as many difficulties as non-believers? We live with success and failures our entire lives.  We live with questions.  Sometimes God is silent. Sometimes God speaks to us -- right where we are -- and what He says is often far different from what we expect. Job questioned God - but he did not get answers.    What Job did get, was the experience of encountering  God and Job's understanding of God was greatly expanded.   God does not explain...instead He reveals himself - and - in the midst of His awesome presence....Job's questions are not answered....they simply disappear! How awesome to know that we are all...each of us...a part of this magnificent mystery. "Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.   Each morning I bring my request to you and wait expectantly."  Psalm 5:3 NLT  ..and you know...I'm just sayin'. See Ya... Kelly

Holiness

Holiness...Holy...Ness!

Holy is an ADJECTIVE...(Did you just roll your eyes? C'mon even when Dave Olson went to school they had adjectives)

Ness,  is a NOUN.... (Remember? ...a person, place, or thing!)

Ness gives "quality" to the adjective Holy...thus Holiness...  

An old hymn say, "Take time to be Holy..."  But "holiness" is not something we hear much about.

The greatest attribute of God is His holiness.  He is love, mercy, grace, long-suffering, and more,  but above all He is Holy. 

Soooooooooo ... Just what does God mean when He commands that we “be holy”?

Some Christians have  a "cultural holiness".  They adapt to the character and behavior of those around them.   As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. 

But God has not called us to be like those around us.     He has called us to be like himself!

Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.

“As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is

Written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” 1 Peter 1:15-16

 ....OK class is over, maybe... Or, is class really just begininng....

I'm just sayin'.

See You Tonight

- Kelly

Keep hungry

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple… My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’  Your face, Lord, I will seek”  (Psalm 27:4, 8). Jesus asks us: “What do you want?” (John 1:38). You have a hungry heart, but where are you taking it? There are many things we may want… If only we would respond with the enthusiasm that crowds did in his day — screaming out His name, pushing through crowds to touch Him, jumping out of trees to follow Him, tearing the roofs off houses just to sit at the feet of Jesus!!! If only we would bring our hungry hearts to Jesus. If only we would long for God like David and the Psalmists, Paul and John, if only we would learn to be alone with our Abba father in prayer. I believe that living our lives dedicated and committed to Jesus Christ as the “one thing” we want... Is the best life!  Sure, discipline is required and there are trials to face. But Jesus is the source of living water. When we give up all to love Him we discover over time that our other problems fade away. Jesus said in John 7:37,  “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink." I'm just sayin'...do you need a cup? See You Tonight -Kelly

The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less than Scoffield's notes and Scripture Press....wait, that's not quite how the song goes. But they are familiar words, aren't they? Then..."on Christ the solid rock I stand."  It's about having the confidence to weather the storm. Just like real storms, life storms require us to act, not just react. Here are 3...count them... 3 ways we can praise God in any storm of life: 1. Prepare by having a strong foundation. The book of James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.“ When you meet trials. It is going to happen. Trials will come. Prepare yourself for these by building your foundation on Christ and His word.   Praise God for equipping you to enter a storm! 2. Take shelter with godly company. In the midst of trials you should surround yourself with people of God who will first and foremost pray for and you.  They can speak truth to you when your heart betrays you and your weatherproofing GETS SOGGY!  When your foundation feels like it is cracking and failing you, true Christian fellowship is the glue that will hold you together.  “You are safer with God in the middle of a storm, than you are anywhere else without Him.” Praise God for bringing people in to your life who offer you love and support – you don't have to weather a storm alone! 3. Anticipate the sunshine, every storm has an end. Storms won't last forever, but in the midst of trials, having hope can seem impossible at the least and improbable at the most. If all you're left with is broken pieces, have hope because God WILL take the broken pieces and turns them into something beautiful.   God doesn't always calm the storms, sometimes he calms us.  .Praise God that when all is stripped away you still have Him! “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) We are having a great time...but missing you all. See you on Sunday...and as always I'm Just Sayin'. -Kelly (and Brenda too!)

Joy Joy Joy

This is one of those songs, do you remember...."I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy....down in my heart. Where?"

Yes you can thank me later for having that song in your head for the rest of the day.  But what if....that joy went from our heads to our hearts?

Do you remember the other little song...."If you want joy you must ask for it......?"

Exactly what is joy?

It is the enjoyment of God and the good things that come from the His hands. 

If our freedom in Christ is a piece of cake....joy is the frosting. (probably chocolate)

If the Bible gives us words of worship....joy supplies the music. 

True joy can only be had as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22).   It is that overwhelming sense of comfort and contentment that floods our soul.

Romans 15:13 NIV

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Joy? Ask!

I'm just sayin' ...

--Kelly

Grace Notes

GRACE....  These are grace notes.  Yep - grace notes.  Small, insignificant, marred and counting -- for nothing.  Nothing - zip - nada - zero!

Yet they are referred to as "grace notes." Why?

These notes are kind of funny, they decorate and enhance the note to which they are attached - but only from a position of submission and service.  By sheer definition they cannot stand alone.  These notes are printed much smaller than the principal note...and sometimes with a slash through the stem.

Grace notes - have no mathematical value... Nothing - zip - nada - zero!

Hold on there...slash Grace (ouch.)  I don't mind being small, insignificant or even marred.  Counting for nothing...well let's just hold on.

Grace as a verb can mean the following things, beauty, enrich, elevate, honor, favor, dignify, distinguish...a simple grace note does all of this to the principal note.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes...

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses...

Grace is the Master Musician playing our lives like instruments of worship - in a symphony of worship every Grace note counts.

See Ya Sunday...

Just Sayin'

Kelly

What now?

Broken pieces?  Jars of clay?  Earthen vessels?  Poured out?  Used up? I finally realized that the question we should ask  isn't "Why, Lord?"  but rather, "What now, Lord?" Asking “What now, Lord?” instead of “Why, Lord?” is a tough one. * It's hard to ask the right question when you are feeling disappointed. * It's hard to ask the right question when you feel like your heart has been broken. *It's hard to ask “What now?” when you feel like your dreams have been shattered. But your life will begin to change when you start asking God, "Lord, what should I do now?" Oh sure, you will still feel angry or disheartened by disappointments, but you will discover that God desires to show you, "what now!"  So here's a question...if you really want to know, "what now?"   Why wait?  Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble... For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." See you on Sunday, and I'm just sayin'. "It's Gonna' Be Worth It" Acts 2:25

Basic instructions...

Contrary to popular belief in the " world", there is an instruction manual for life.

It is called the Bible.  Specifically, the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, and countless verses in the New Testament provide timeless wisdom for living our everyday lives.

There are times in this life when we feel helpless and hopeless, that things will never turn around.  It is part of the human condition to feel this way at times, but we do ourselves or no one else any good if we allow ourselves to wallow in these feelings.

There is no shame in getting knocked down, as long as we don't stay down.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Philippians 3: 12

Not that I have already attained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Those words are simple to understand and yet so profound. In all the struggles of  life, we often feel as if we can be of no use to God or others due to our own shortcomings and failures of the past.

These words are about putting aside what others may think of us and reaching out to God to overcome  this journey ...we call life.

We will see you Sunday, and, I'm Just Sayin'.

-Kelly

The Three P's

Ready?  Lights!   Camera!   Action!   Live....

Yep....just LIVE.   Live each day out with Purpose and Passion and Power, like each was its last? Living each moment being fully engaged in the moment, not letting it slip by unnoticed?

We live each day once. Not more, not less. Just once and the day is over. Each day dishes out a fresh serving of possibilities and difficulties. There is no denying that some days are harder than the rest.

On these days we struggle. We crawl inch by inch. The enhanced gravitational forces deny us from soaring. But you know that somewhere inside you, you have what it takes. You know somehow inside you, you want to make an impact. You know the voice inside you that tells you, you were meant for more.

WE were meant for so much more than what we see around us.

How then can one lift off and do what you were meant to do? How then can you reach forth and touch your destiny? Not only to touch your destiny but to grasp it and live it out?

2 Corinthians 4:16-18, says,...

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Purpose, Passion and Power...yeah....I like that and I'm just sayin'.

...see ya Sunday.

-Kelly

Why me?

"Why Me?" is often the first question we ask.  

For some of us, the same question pops up when we have a flat tire. Or get a cold. Or get caught in a summer downpour, or...or...

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV)

Asking "why me?" doesn't help. - The truth is we all suffer, different times, different ways.

Stay faithful. - Rev. 2:10 NLT

"Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you.

You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life."

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.  - We are called to press on towards the high calling of Christ.

Endure with patience. - 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT) says, "...may the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and

Expression of the love of God...."

So...instead...of...Why me Lord? ...what if we declared, "Lord, why NOT me!"

Just Sayin'    ...and I will be seeing you.

-Kelly

You CAN go on

Feeling overwhelmed?  Inadequate?  Are you looking for and excuse...

You say: I can't go on.

 God says: My grace is sufficient.

( 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out.

 God says: I will direct your steps.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it.

 God says: You can do all things.

( Philippians 4:13)

You say: I'm not able.

 God says: I am able.

(2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: It's not worth it.

 God says: It will be worth it.

(Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself.

 God says: I forgive you.

(1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage.

 God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid.

 God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated.

 God says: Cast all your cares on me. (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith.

 God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

You say: I'm not smart enough.

 God says: I give you wisdom.

(1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone.

 God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

..and I, am just sayin'

See Ya' Sunday

-Kelly

Worry or Worship?

I've come to understand that attitude has a lot to do with a worry-free life.  There will always be situations that cause us concern...but worry?  Worry?  Is it really worth your time?   Philippians 4:6-7, says,

"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Worry and worship are exact opposites, wouldn't we all all be much happier if we learned to worship rather than worry?  We know that God has our best interests at heart, we can worship Him regardless of our circumstances.

Remember... God is good, all the time,  and all the time God is good... Even when our circumstances are not!

So stop worrying about everything, give it to God, and live in grace. Grace isn't just divine favor—it's power! Don't waste another day of your life worrying.  Determine what your responsibility is and what it is not. Don't try to take on God's responsibility.

When we do what we can do, God steps in and does what we can't.  As an unknown author states...

"You can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your worry list.  The longer your list, the smaller your God. "

And...I, am just sayin'

See Ya Tonight

-Kelly

What we are made for

John 17:3 says, “ Now this Is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have  sent"

Eternal life is about knowing our God and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not just a get out of hell free pass. It is not just a ticket into heaven. It is so much more. If we can begin to know the One who has rescued us from the power of darkness, know the One who was the ransom for the debt we owed God -  then not only will it make us long for heaven but it will also make life on earth really worth living.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain….I desire to depart and be with Christ which is better by far… I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Phil 1:21, 22; 3:8)

Maybe, Paul knew something that we think we know--- but don’t really: that knowing Christ is what we were made for and what we were saved for. That knowing Him is what makes heaven worth waiting for and life worth living. That knowing Him is the secret to experiencing eternal life in the fullest sense of the term.

So...we ask this question, "Do we know Jesus -- like that?"

Stay cool - 'cause I'm just sayin'

See Ya' Sunday

-Kelly

Take the wheel

God is in control?  Even when it doesn't feel like it.

God loves us, passionately cares for us?  Then why does he seem so distant?

When you reach the end of your rope....yep', just like you remembered.

When the going gets tough......and you just said the rest.

Sometimes we get knocked around a little.  It's easy to let this truth slip right out of our hands.  But Ephesians 6:14 reminds us,  "14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place"

...remember this...

"God's love still stands...even when everything else is broken."

Oh, and this too...

Psalm 119:147  "I rise before dawn and cry for help, I have put my hope in your word."

I'm just sayin...

- Kelly 

Attitude is everything

In 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 we are told to, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

The Word tells us that we are to have an attitude of joy, thanksgiving and prayer all the time,  no matter what the conditions or circumstances.  

This verse does not mean that we are to thank God for bad things and tragedies that come our way.  It means that we are to remain joyful no matter what is happening in our lives because we have the Lord, and in Him we will overcome.  

Psalm 34 is a typical psalm of praise...

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

We are to bless God at all times.

When things go smoothly.....  When things go wrong...when the car won't start and the grass is too long.  

When all looks bleak, when all looks dim, when all hope is lost...be assured God - has already won.

Our prayer should be like David's,  "Father, I love and appreciate You. I know You are going to bring the answer I need because You are a good  and You care for me.  I trust You, Lord, no matter what I see.  I am looking through the eyes of faith, and I believe You are sending my answer. I love You, Lord, no matter what happens."

When we keep this attitude of praise in the midst of our trials, we win.....

And, as you know...I'm just sayin.'

See Ya Sunday

-Kelly

U.N.C.L.E.

C.H.A.O.S....it means something different for each of us.  How is it that we can find God in all things? Yet Peter did!

Peter was doing just fine walking on the water, even as rough as it must have been beneath him. Yep', just fine...until he let himself focus on the strength of the storm. So...

1. Ignore the wind and waves

2. Call, loudly, to Jesus for help.

3. Grab the hand that reaches out.

Whatever the chaos in our lives -- let us hear together the sound of the voice of Jesus, listen, He speaks...right here, right now...the storm begins to die down, the waters begin to subside...He speaks again, "Take courage, do not be afraid, it is I....I am with you." (Matthew 14:27)

C - Christ

H - Has

A - All

O - Our

S - Solutions   ... Dare we say..."Bring on the Storm!"

...and once again I ... Am just sayin'

See Ya Sunday.

-Kelly

Let's Pray

No job, let's pray....poor health, let's pray...broken home...let's pray, confused, let's pray...no money, let's pray...broken world, let's pray.  Are you getting the point?

Will you pray for me,  we need to pray, let's just pray...how many times have you heard this? 

But let's think about something...

Daniel prayed and the mouths of the lions were shut.  (Daniel 6)

Stephen prayed and was stoned to death.  (Acts 7 - 8)

Two very different prayers - two very different outcomes.  Does prayer change "things" or does prayer change "me" and how I see those "things?"

When in doubt remember this..."Jesus prayed and he prayed again." (Mark 8:22-25)

Make a commitment to pray, then pray again and again and again and a...g...a...i...n...

See Ya' Tonight...

-Kelly

H.O.P.E.

Concluding thoughts last week were somewhat somber.   Life sometimes gets difficult and we struggle.  However, The word of God is a comfort to all of us that are struggling and looking for hope.  We read...

Zephaniah 3:17 (New International Version)

The LORD your God is with you, 

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

H    Help… others-and never be too proud to ask for help yourself.

       Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, An ever-present help in trouble."

  

O  Opportunity... There is always an a reason to be optimistic.

     Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

P  Persist…no matter what, never give up..

    Galatians 6:9 (ESV) " And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,

                                            If we do not give up."

E  Evangelize…  Evangelism is about making Jesus known.   It is not simply a message shared  - it  

Is a message lived out when we share our life, in Christ... We can only make Him known to the extent that     

           We  know Him!

       

Mark 16:15-16 (NIV)   5 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all     

                                           Creation..... 

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (New International Version)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

See Ya!

-Kelly

What on Earth are we here for?

Been here before?  What on Earth are we here for?  The Scriptures say, "we are called according to His purpose...."

The Children of Israel, so often missed God's purposes. God wanted to make them strong - strong in faith, strong in trust, strong in the Lord. However, when food and water began to run low, they didn't feel strong; they felt weaker.

They missed God's purpose - He wanted to strengthen them, and provide for all of their needs. But they often doubted, or grumbled and complained. God's ways were higher than their ways.

So...while we're here...let's...

DRAW NEAR TO THE LORD.

The Lord Himself  is our strength.  Drawing near to Him insures that His strength will dwell in us, because His presence will be near. We are told to "seek the Lord, and His strength." (Psalm 105:4).

...and...

BE OF GOOD COURAGE.

The Word says, "Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart." (Ps.27:14).  To draw near to God we must have courage and faith.  

...as well as...

THE  WORD OF GOD

Strengthens your faith, and builds you up. The Word of God can be relied upon, with confidence. "Strengthen me, according to Thy Word." (Psalm 119:28 NASB). 

We're here for Him...He will "always" be there for us.

See Ya' Tonight

-Kelly

Rules to Live By

Good Morning Groupies....these are your have a great day rules! 1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.  "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24 2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."  I Samuel 16:7 3. Stand Up!!  For  what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10  4 Look Up !!... To the Lord.  "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13  5  Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6  6. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.  "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6 See Ya' Tonight -Kelly

F.O.R.M.

Good Morning Friends...

One of our small "groupies" reminded me of my Form formula.  It is a great "tool" to have - so I'm reminding each of us how it works...

When in a situation that  requires meeting or greeting new people (such as a small group) use FORM....

Ask questions based on...

F    how's your family?

O    what do you do for occupation (work)?

R    what do you do for recreation (fun)?

M    always leave a word of ministry

The Bible says...

"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone."  Colossians 4:5-6 NRSV

"Some friends play at friendship, but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin."  Proverbs 18:24 NRSV

See You Tonight

-Kelly

Here's a thought

Good Morning....hope to see you tonight...and here's a thought.

Romans 8:28 (NRSV)

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Really?  Everything?  Sometimes this verse is a little hard to take.  But then we find...

Romans 8:31-32 (NRSV)

31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us,...

Oh no...the God card, yes, really and yes, everything...because

Romans 8:38 (NRSV)

38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Sometimes scripture is a hard inexplicable truth - but it is still TRUTH.

See Ya!

- Kelly

Oklahoma Says...

Hey there...this week you are getting my Just Sayin' thought from the booming metropolis of Mounds, Oklahoma or, as the locals would say, Mounds, America...population 7, usually 5, but Brenda and I showed up.

Given my penchant for acrostics...here we go....

Coming to small group is not about how much you, or I, know - it is about how we GROW.

G    ....go to the WORD

R    ....read the WORD

O    ....obey the WORD

W   ....witness the WORD...

John 1:1

[ The Word Became Flesh ] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

See Ya' Sunday

-Kelly

Psalm 5

Sometime we intend, even long to pray.  Prayer is a subject much discussed in our group.  However, in the crush of life, we do not or cannot...pray.  We then feel guilty and belive we are less than Christian.  The promises we find in scripture about the Holy Spirit "comforting" us in our time of need give us a unique perspective.  No matter how stumbling, incoherent or rambling our prayers may be - the Holy Spirit is pleading, for us, in a language heaven hears and understands.

Psalm 5

1 

Give ear to my words, O Lord;
    Give heed to my sighing.

2 

Listen to the sound of my cry,
    My King and my God,
    For to you I pray.

Just sayin'

- Kelly

Authenticity

David sought God passionately in both work and worship.  Despite his flaws and sins David was appalled by anything less than authentic worship. In Psalm's we see over and over again that David had a great awareness of God's holiness and his presence...think on these thoughts today.

Psalm 57:9-11 NRSV

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;

    I will sing praises to you among the nations.

For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;

    Your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.

    Let your glory be over all the earth.

...see you tonight.

I'm just sayin'...

-Kelly