The early disciples were known as people who had “been with Jesus”.  Could that be said of us today?

When I think about the impact the early disciples had on their world, it makes me wonder what kind of impact “social media” is having upon the relationships that matter most in our lives.  More than ever before, we can hypothetically be more “socially” connected to those we love through an abundance of gadgets and gizmos.

“Yet, how connected are we?”  How many families are spending more time these days looking at a computer/cell phone screen than they are interacting with each other face to face?  Is it possible that social media can become more of an “escape” from true reality?  I have to chuckle each time I see a person walking in public, surrounded by people, with their head glued down to their “smart” phone (even if that person happens to be me LOL ).

When we settle for the safety of the keyboard, are we at risk for losing the the joy of “spontaneous conversations”?  There is simply no substitute for sitting down together, “face to face”, enjoying a verbal conversation with the people or Person I love the most.  Just ask little kids or grandparents!

If there’s one thing from the early disciples that I would love to recapture, it is the art spending “quality time” with Jesus and others without all of the distractions around me.

On Sunday, February 5th, we will be moving our Sunday morning worship time to 11 AM.  Sunday School will move to 9:30 AM & our evening service will remain at 6 PM.

What’s the significance of Moses carrying a box of bones out of Egypt?

Hundreds of years earlier (in Gen. 50:24-25), Joseph prophesied before his death that God would deliver His people out of Egypt.  By faith, Joseph made his brothers promise to bring his bones out of Egypt when God delivered them.  Truly, the foolishness of God is greater than the wisdom of man.  As the children of Israel experienced slavery for hundreds of years in a foreign land, Who else, but God, would of thought of using a box of bones to serve as a memorial to His people that He will keep His covenant and remember His promise to deliver them.  The fulfillment of God’s promises in the book of Exodus reminds me of the memorial we celebrate each time we partake of communion.

“For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he comes.” ~ 1 Corinthians 11:26

For a reminder of the certainty of God’s promises, the children of Israel had a box of bones ; We on the other hand have a Risen Savior!

What a great statement that describes what our experience ought to be like each time we read God’s Amazing Story!  This verse so clearly lays out the passion of my heart to see each of us grow to have an insatiable appetite for the Living Word of God.  Don’t be overly concerned with how much you’ve read today.  Rather, make it your aim to have your heart set aflame each and everyday. It may only take one verse!

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed “Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality,” or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include: 1. Loss of direction 2. Foul vocal emissions 3. Amnesia of origin 4. Lack of peace and joy 5. Selfish or violent behavior 6. Depression or confusion in the mental component 7. Fearfulness 8. Idolatry 9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

- GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by ‘Knee mail’!

Because He Lives!

There are many books out there you can read, but there’s only one book that reads you.

We believe in the power of the Word of God, and are committed to learning more about Jesus, more about ourselves and more about our faith by studying the Bible. Together, we’re on the same track as we read through Wayne Cordeiro’s Life Journal reading plan. Below you will find three separate ways that you can read together with us on this journey.

1. Online @ YouVersion.com
YouVersion.com has the day’s reading ready for you every day. Read the passages, bookmark favorite verses and even take notes and journal electronically! Click here to sign up for free.

•  In order to follow along chronologically, you may need to temporarily “MANUALLY’ set you computer or cell phone “Date/Time” settings to January 1st 2012.
• After you start the plan, set your computer or cell phone “Date/Time” back to the “CURRENT” date.

2. Download PDF
Our LifeJournal readings are listed in the PDF below, featuring various reading portions, including a “snack”, “meal” and “feast” every day. A PDF reader is required. Download PDF Reader for free here.

Download “Life Journal Reading Plan” here.

3. Get a LifeJournal
Visit LifeJournal.cc to purchase a Life Journal, which has the daily readings and space to journal. This site also has tips on why, how, and when to journal. Check it out!

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAILY BIBLE READING TIME…

 Establish A Daily Plan – choose a consistent time and a conducive place for study each day.  Keep in mind that consistency lends itself to spiritual growth.

Choose A Reading Plan – a systematic Bible reading plan will aid you in developing the discipline of studying the Word and hearing God’s voice in the process.  This journal provides a plan for each day of the year.  Since everyone is at a different place of spiritual maturity, these materials are formatted at three different reading levels:

• SNACK –5 minute daily reading plan
• MEAL – 10-15 minute daily reading plan
• FEAST – 15-20 minute daily reading plan that will take you through the entire Bible in a year, including two times through the New Testament.

Assemble Your Tools – be sure to start each session with your Bible, a basic Bible commentary, a notebook, a pen/pencil for journaling, an open heart to hear from God and your telephone set on “silent mode.”  A good cup of coffee doesn’t hurt either.

Begin Your Session with Prayer – God is a revealer of secrets desiring to unlock His Word for you so that He can talk to you on many different levels.  Invite Him, through the power of His Spirit, to open your spiritual ears to hear what He wants to say to you.

Complete Your Reading Plan  - pretty self explanatory.

Record Your S.O.A.P. - on the provided daily journaling pages, record the following items:

• S – Scripture –write down the verse(s) that stands out the most to you.
• O – Observation – write down facts and observations in the text that are most prominent.
• A – Application – write down how the passage applies to you and your life.
• P – Prayer – write down a prayer that asks God for help to implement these truths in your life.

Index – there will be times when God speaks something profound while journaling that you will want to use at a later date for coaching, preaching, teaching, family devotions or a Bible study.  A good way to keep track of those specific entries is to add them to your index page for quick reference.

Record Prayer Requests – write down personal prayer requests in the section provided, and pray over them occasionally. As prayers are answered, check them off and give God thanks for His faithfulness.

Be Consistent –faithfulness allows your daily bible reading to become an effective part of your spiritual maturity.  At the same time, if you miss a day, or even a few days, don’t give up, and don’t go back and try to catch up.  Just start again with the current day’s reading. The goal isn’t to “keep a plan” but to spend quality time with God and His Word as often as possible.  Being disciplined to do this on a consistent basis will enable you to grow to spiritual maturity, a goal that God has for every believer.

Share – make a point to talk to someone about the truths God is speaking through His Word and the journaling process.