No matter what, everyone has battles in their lives. The bible never mentions that people are exempt from trouble, struggles and hard times. Instead it gives us insight into individual lives showing parables, promises and victories with the help of Christ. This is for us to understand God’s promises and gives us a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God also sends angels to surround us and protect us as we continue on this journey.
He is growing you, strengthening you and setting you up for prosperity. Hardship isn’t to destroy you, it is there to complete you. To whom much is given, much is required. As He blesses you, you will continue to be tested so you are equipped. Smile through the trouble, things are getting better every day! I pray for God’s grace to cover you and strengthen you every day. May you find His complete joy as you are grown through this journey we call life.
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Everyone has a desire to be happy. It seems as though life’s circumstances and the attacks of evil constantly push against us. It can be incredibly draining and soon we find ourselves overcome with sadness. Following Christ doesn’t mean we don’t have sadness, instead we learn how to deal with sadness that our joy may be whole. John 18:6 talks about Jesus being arrested and the guards falling to the ground under His power. I’m sure that wasn’t a happy moment, but God surely was in control.
In Genesis 28:15 God promised Jacob to watch over him wherever he goes and he will never leave him until God’s promise is fulfilled. God promises happiness to everyone. I do believe it is a choice but it isn’t easy. Remember God is watching over you and is with you wherever you go. I believe with all my heart, you are going to be OK and you will be happy. If there is anything we can do to help, please contact me. Lastly our doors are always open for visitors. If you haven't been to the church in a while or ever, come on in. We all find ourselves in the position from time to time hoping for the miraculous. Whether it's a loved one who is sick, someone hurt in an accident, a financial breakthrough or a relationship restoration, we all hope for a significant change beyond our control. Sometimes we simply hope. Other times we pray. We may even find ourselves worrying more than we are hoping and praying. Abraham and Sarah wanted a child so badly they took matters into their own hands only to discover that wasn't what God promised them. Moses tried so hard to lead the nation of Israel and when they found themselves looking for water, he skipped what God told him and instead did what he knew would work.
God wants miracles for everyone. He proved this when Jesus fed over five thousand people miraculously. We are all tempted to help God out a little and do what we know will work, but we end up missing the complete blessing. I know it's hard, but we must trust, believe, pray, hope, give and be obedient. Your miracle is coming. God is paying attention and it is just for you. I pray blessings over your home and may God continue to guide and protect you while you wait for your miracle. If there is anything we can do to help, please contact me. Lastly our doors are always open for visitors. If you haven't been to the church in a while or ever, come on in. Life is hard no matter who you are. Every household has their own set of challenges. Esther broke customs to approach her husband to make a change. She was afraid, but he accepted her input and it changed a nation. Deborah was a leader and commanded an army at a time when women were considered second class. Joseph went to prison for a crime he didn't commit and eventually became second in command over Egypt. All challenges are stressful but Jesus promises sufficient grace and strength in our weakness, not our perfection. We pray blessings over your home.
The Bible does not discuss valentine. Valentines day has evolved over time and now the primary emphasis which is somewhat commercialized revolves around expressing love to the ones you are intimate with. This would be a demonstration of fulfilling the commandment given in John 15:12 which is to love one another. The expressions celebrated on Valentines is only one aspect of love, but I will save that discussion for another time.
Some think people who go to church have to be righteous or better than others morally. Others fear attending because of past mistakes. Church is a place for all the wounded to come and heal knowing nobody is perfect. Perfection is the element of God working in you. Our community church holds each other up as we journey through a difficult life relying on God to meet our needs. Feel free to contact us for prayer. I pray you find peace and comfort in the midst of your circumstances.
Within every home, heart, family and community lies secrets. Our news and society are constantly trying to expose secrets. I wanted to take a moment to tell you some really good secrets. They are as follows:
We have people in our country who donate their personal time, gas in their vehicles, wear and tear, just to provide us emergency fire and medical service. Every week we pray for them in church and are grateful for their service to our communities. We have people in our communities who are preserving the history of our areas. We have many experts from all walks of life. Mechanics, farmers, welders, contractors, gardeners, cheese makers, doctors, CPA’s, teachers, administrators, police officers, truck drivers and more. We value the dynamics you add to our lives. Most importantly we have you. There is a secret behind why God put you in our community. Do you know what it is? We want to help you and support you in discovering it. Feel free to reach out to us, attend a service, bible study or just call. I pray God’s blessings over your life and home. May He expand your influence, friendships, prosperity, and happiness. The Christmas season is so joyful and fun. This is especially true when we watch little children have some of their first Christmas experiences before they have the expectation of receiving. I love their wonder and amazement. Their excitement and joy bring smiles to our faces and it drives us to some extent when we give them the presents that start this joy.
Buying the present doesn’t make us happy, watching them smile when they open it does. Studies show that smiles release endorphins stimulating happiness. Can you imagine a world where we all contribute to each other’s happiness? You have the power to make a difference and it starts with a smile. This brings me to Colossians 3 which says, “14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Now back to the smile. Commit to smile more at others. Be the first to release the endorphins regardless of what they do and how they make you feel. It is contagious, you will make a difference and the result will be a more harmonious society. May you have a blessed day and keep smiling all year long. “Work smarter, not harder.” This phrase I have heard so many times. Many lives are based on this philosophy. Though the concept does have merit, how far is too far? We live in a world of information, expectations, and sadness. Sometimes our personal pursuits take us down dark alleys. I want to encourage everyone, no matter your path. This entire world works better when we all work together. Shortcuts can be long-cuts and cheap can be expensive. Take a moment to give outside of yourself. Do something that isn’t for you. Invest in someone else for no other reason than personal satisfaction. We work with many resources in northern Colorado and across the world. There are opportunities to help all around you.
We look at the world around us and realize there are multiple compositions of formulas. Many people say there is no formula with Christianity. Yet there is a sinner’s prayer for salvation, but is that a requirement? We have been studying various church theologies in bible study and have answered many questions or traditions people have grown up with which aren’t necessarily in the bible. This gave us a foundational understanding of why some people get burnt out on religion and church. I strive to teach a biblical overview, not the traditions brought up through the church and there is a difference.
At the end of the day the bible says in Romans 10:13, “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” There is no fancy formula for this to happen. If you want it, you can have it and that settles it. The Christian walk through life can be difficult to navigate. We walk beside you as you pursue your purpose. I pray you have a blessed day. |
AuthorPhilip Lukens is the senior pastor of the Carr Community Church. To receive updates please enter your e-mail address below and click subscribe. Archives
December 2020
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