Some thoughts on suffering.
Friday 11:00am
Recently I have been asked several questions about why suffering exists in our world. It seems like people are asking these questions related to the earthquakes in Haiti and those dealing with personal tragedy. Why does God allow earthquakes, hurricanes, cancer and terrorist attacks? Why does God allow people and believers to suffer?
These are good questions and should be asked. We must have a solid theology of suffering based on scripture because we all will encounter suffering at some point in life. If we don’t understand what the Bible says, then the tendency is to blame God and walk away.
Romans 8.20-23a “Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. (See Genesis 3) But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering.” NLT
This text clearly states that all creation (the physical world) is currently under the curse of sin and longing to be freed from death and decay. At the time of the fall God cursed the ground and it was at that moment that natural disasters became a reality. It was not God’s original plan for his creation to war against itself, but that is the case because of the real effects of sin and the fall.
We, too, are still subject to the effects of sin and suffering, yet we have a great hope. Our hope is in Him, that we will one day be given “full rights as his adopted children” (Rom. 3.23b) Our bodies will be made new, free from the effects of sin, deat,h and the curse: free from disease and sickness, cancer and decay. We look forward to the “new heavens and the new earth” (Revelation 21.1-5a), a place without natural disaster, where we will live forever with glorified bodies having full rights as His children.
Our hope is in Christ! In this world there will be suffering, but we look to a time when all sin, suffering and tragedy is eradicated completely, what a day that will be!
Pastor Bryon
Suffering with Hope
Sunday 11:15pm
As I was reading tonight and reflecting on the message today I wanted to share this text in Romans 5.3-5.
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” ESV
We as believers do experience suffering. But we suffer with great hope as “we wait patiently for full adoption as sons” (Romans 8.23). This adoption is the end result of our great salvation. This text actually calls us to rejoice in our sufferings. One of the reasons we can rejoice is that we know there is purpose in suffering. It is clear that suffering, here in this life, produces transformation in us. Suffering brings about endurance, character and hope, making us more like Christ.
Man Up
Thurs 8:00am
Just wanted to say how pumped I am about my Man Up Life Group. We have a solid group of dudes coming out and last night we got into a great discussion about the nature of God and salvation. The guys in the group come from all different spiritual backgrounds and have a wide variety of career experience. I find the group highly encouraging and motivating. I leave each week wanting to know Jesus more, learn my Bible more throughly and love and nurture my wife and children more and more like a real man should.
The Plug: If you are a guy, 18+ married or trying to track her down this group is for you. Wed. night 7:30-8:30pm, my office.
Have a good one.
Pastor Bryon
Mid-Term Check-up
Mid-Term Check-up
No, there isn’t going to be an exam for those who are in a life group (WHEW!) Just wanted to check-up on the Kingsway family to see if you ARE in a life group. It’s not too late! We’re halfway through the semester but there are still four solid weeks left. Lots and lots of opportunities to grow closer to God and one another! And, it will give you a great jump on the Spring semester which will begin April 11, 2010. If you want to see list of the life groups that are currently meeting, click here.
Blessings, Pastor Arlena
Missions Trip Anyone?
Missions Trip Anyone?
I know it’s hard to think about the summer and fall when there is two feet of snow on the ground but a couple of weeks ago we announced our 2010 missions trip locations: Point Pleasant (May 27-30), El Salvador (July 17-24) and Rwanda (Nov. 12-22). If you’ve never taken a missions trip before, I encourage you to consider taking one this year. I promise, your life will never be the same! Still not sure? Here are a few steps to help you make your decision:
1) Pray. You’ll need to know if God is leading you to go and where He wants you to go.
2) Assess – Talk to your family, friends, and spiritual leaders to help you assess whether a missions trip is right for you at this time.
3) Ask – Information about each missions trip is located on the Missons page of this web site or at the Welcome Center. Feel free to email missions@kingswayag.com if you have questions.
4) Apply – Every team member must apply in order to go. You can download an application from this web site (on the Missions page) or pick one up at the Welcome Center.
So, let me ask the question again – missions trip anyone?
Blessings, Pastor Arlena
Membership Follow-Up
Monday 9:05am
Yesterday was a great day at Kingsway. The band was solid, the choir Life Group ministered in both services and Pastor Arlena brought the second message from the series, “The Bride.” Following the 11 was the membership class. I taught for about 3 hours on the topics of: the church, doctrine, core values and working through the membership covenant. We take membership very serious at Kingsway.
We had a great time of teaching, discussion and getting to know new people. Thanks to all who helped organize and a special thanks to all those who came out because of your interest in membership.
Pastor Bryon
Tell Your Story
Tell Your Story – We Need YOUR Help!
This Sunday, February 28, 2010 is Celebrate Life Sunday. Why do we call this annual service a celebration? Because we want to celebrate God’s grace and goodness to each of us and to Kingsway over the last year. But, we can’t do it without you! You have stories about God’s faithfulness in your life; stories that will honor the Lord and encourage another. Will you tell us your story? Email info@kingswayag.com to share a testimony or simply a word of thanks about something God has done or is doing in your life.
I look forward to hearing your story! Blessings, Pastor Arlena
Our God is Faithful
Monday 7:30am
Yesterday was a great day at Kingsway! What a vibe of faith, thankfulness, family and mission we experienced. So many great things took place, but here a couple that stick out to me.
First, we celebrated all that God had done in the previous year at Kingsway. 2009 was a year of transition for us, as we sent our our senior pastor of 10 years to revitalize a dying church on the Jersey shore. Through that transition, God was faithful and we experienced stability, numerical growth and financial provision above what I could have ever ask for. Our God is faithful.
Second, you had the opportunity to get a “first look” at the concepts we and our architects are working with to renovate our current facility. I love times when we can to dream and ask God to lead us into the future. I was very encouraged by all the people who spoke to me sharing their thoughts, ideas and questions.
The theme of yesterday for me: Our God is Faithful!
-Pastor Bryon
Easter 2010
Wed. 9:00am
I am getting pumped for Easter this year. I have been praying big prayers, asking God to save people at our Easter services. Would you join me in prayer? Pray specifically: 1. That Jesus would be given supreme glory through all that happens on Easter. 2. That our church would be given divine boldness and effectiveness to invite new friends, family, neighbors, etc. to experience our Easter services. 3. Finally, that the Holy Spirit would be active in encouraging, guiding, convicting and ultimately saving tons of people on Easter Sunday! PRAY WITH ME CHURCH!
-Pastor Bryon
DANGEROUS CHURCH
Fri. 12:25pm
As many of you know we were set to launch an 8 week series of messages from the book of Ephesians. Well, that is not happening. For the first time as lead pastor I feel like it is time for me to call an audible. Instead, (we will hit Ephesians later this Spring) we are going to talk about the church and specifically, our church. The sermon series is called, “Dangerous Church.” Jesus never calls us to play it safe. Actually quite the opposite. What does a ‘dangerous church’ look like? What does it mean to be dangerous? We will soon see. Join us this Sunday!
Pastor Bryon
Tractor Beam – Engaged.
Tues. 9:34am
This morning I feel like a little kid before a piano recital, excitement mixed with butterflies. Easter weekend provides us with such a great opportunity for connection and influence with our community. I have been reading and praying through two texts of scripture this morning.
John 6.44a “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”
John 12.32 “And I (Jesus), when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Join with me today as I pray that God would turn on the tractor beam of His great love and mercy and draw people from our community to one of our Easter services.
We can be certain of this, that His tractor beam is absolutely effective!
Pastor Bryon
*Please pray for me! This weekend is the SuperBowl, March Madness, and Game 7 of the World Series all rolled into one for what pastor’s do on Sundays.
Top 10 Reasons to Join a Life Group
Top 10 Reasons to Join a Life Group
- Make new friends.
- Learn more about God.
- Learn more about yourself.
- Help build a sense of community.
- Grow in your personal relationship with Christ.
- Don’t just watch others in church, be a part of the church.
- Discover how to be a better man, woman, spouse, parent, and friend.
- Others need what you have to share.
- Enjoy encouragement and support on the journey of life.
- It’s fun!
Everyone needs a place to belong; everyone needs a life group. Sign-up Sunday, April 11, 2010!
Current Message Series: “A Single New Humanity”
This Sunday, we continue our eight-week expository series through the book of Ephesians. Caught between their old and new way of life, these believers receive instructions about their identity in Christ and the ethics of Christian living.
“There are two main themes represented within the book: 1. Christ has reconciled all creation to himself and to God, and 2. Christ has united people from all nations to himself and to one another in his church. These great deeds were accomplished through the powerful, sovereign, and great working of the triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and are recognized and received by faith alone through his grace. In light of these great truths, Christians are to lead lives that are a fitting tribute of gratitude to their great Lord.” – ESV Study Bible (Introduction to Ephesians)
Final Sermon in Ephesian Series
This Sunday we complete our 8-week study through the book of Ephesians. We will be discussing the Whole Armor of God found in Ephesians 6.10-20 ESV.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on h the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over m this present darkness, against n the spiritual forces of evil o in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
THANK YOU!
Attack of the Flamingos ended last week. THANK YOU for your support of our 2010 Rwanda Missions Team. You fully embraced “practical joking for a cause” and raised @$3,000. We appreciate your support! THANK YOU!!!
Idea:: Who doesn’t want to wake up to a flock of hot pink flamingos on their yard? You choose your “target,” complete an order form, the missions team will deliver the flamingos and the laughs begin. It’s all about practical joking for a good cause.
Why? All funds raised will support our Kingsway Missions Team traveling to Rwanda this November. The team will host a week long camp for 200+ Rwandan children.
FAQ’s?
- Flamingos will be distributed within one week of order placement.
- Flamingos will be placed after 9pm and picked up before Noon the following day. (Please leave flamingos outside for easy pick-up.)
- There will be no destruction of grass or landscaping.
- And, yes! You will know who flamingoed you. Retaliation encouraged!
HOW?
- Pick up an order form/envelope (flamingos are $5 each).
- Fill out form in its entirety.
- Place payment in envelope: cash or check (made payable to Kingsway Church).
- Drop envelope in offering, wall kiosk, or at the church office.
El Salvador Team Blog
Our El Salvador team, led by George & Kim Mickel, left for El Salvador on Saturday, July 17 and return home on Saturday, July 24. We’re excited to send 14 people from Kingsway back to El Salvador (this is our third trip in three years) to minister to the children of the Lake Coatepeque region. Visit our blog, Kingsway Missions, for updates and pictures from the team. PLUS, a daily prayer emphasis will be posted to help you support our team with your prayers. Feel free to comment! Your words of encouragement mean so much to the team as they minister each day.
Download Tabloid Here
Kingsway Church produced its own Tabloid Newspaper for the month of August. Find out more about the Bizarre Jesus sermon series by downloading your own .pdf copy now.
Bizarre Jesus – August Sermon Series
Think the latest escapades by Lindsay Lohan and Mel Gibson are outlandish? Baffled by the content featured on MTV’s “Jersey Shore”? Check this out: What about a healer that used spit and mud? Or an exorcist who casts demons into pigs? How about a deity that shows up four days late for a funeral?
Think you know Jesus? Think Again.
Bizarre Jesus: Unraveling the strange to discover the sacred.
Download the August Tabloid Here (Bulletin)
The Late Late Show – Week 1
Lazarus Raised From the Dead – John 11
Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, died at his home over a week ago. Suffering from an unknown illness, his devoted sisters sent for the Galilean miracle-worker, Jesus. They believed that Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus’, would be healed. Yet, when word of Lazarus’ illness reached Jesus, He delayed and Lazarus died. Jesus late? Does it make any sense that the One who ordered the universe wouldn’t be on time? Nope. Seems a bit strange. But, what happened next was even stranger.
Egg (Mud) On Your Face – Week 2
Blind Beggar Healed – Mark 8 / John 9
“I can’t explain it,” said the blind man. ”I don’t know if He used all organic ingredients or what. All I know is that I was blind; now, I can see.” So stated a blind beggar miraculously healed by Jesus. Blind since his birth, this beggar volunteered as an illustration in the Teacher’s latest sermon. However, when Jesus spit on the ground, made mud, and rubbed it in his eyes, this beggar got more than he bargained for. Eyesight restored, he’s still baffled. ”I can’t believe he spit on me but I’m grateful!”
As the Tables Turn – Week 3
Jesus Cleanses the Temple – Matthew 21
Galvanized Galilean. Rampaging Rabble-Rouser. Mad Messiah. Whatever possessed Jesus of Nazareth to destroy the merchant tables inside the Temple Court? We may never know. What we do know – He was angry and surprisingly in shape. He flipped solid oak tables as if they weighed nothing. He flung gold and silver as if they were light as feathers. Jesus’ bizarre antics once again raised the question, “Who is He and what is He up to?”
Swine Stampede – Week 4
Local Lunatic Found Sane – Mark 5
You’ve heard the rumors. The town of Gerasa was spooky. Well, maybe not the whole town but near the cemetery, wild screams would be heard. Whispers of a mad man on the loose, muttering to himself and running naked among the tombs. But then, Jesus came. What was a good, Jewish boy like Jesus doing in a cemetery, next to a pig farm? Good question. ”Didn’t anyone tell Him that a raving lunatic lives there?” exclaimed a local resident. Yep, Jesus had heard of the lunatic. What happened next? Bizarre beyond words; just ask the pig farmer.
Letter “D” – All of the Above – Week 5
The Rich Young Ruler – Luke 18
A wealthy bachelor. A poor preacher. A most unlikely offer. Jesus, the itinerant prophet from Galilee, invited a rich, young ruler to become his disciple. One catch: the prosperous politician must sell all he owns. Every possession; no exceptions. Would he give up all his riches to live as a penniless vagabond? Would you?
Journey Bookmarks Available for Download
If you are reading through the Bible with us (either in Year One or Year Two), you can pick up a copy of the Journey bookmarks at the Welcome Center or download them here.
Trunk or Treat Follow-Up
What a night we had on Halloween here at Kingsway Church. We saw 2,100+ from our community come and enjoy themselves at our church. Thanks to the 150+ volunteers that served, connected and loved on our community. Here is a brief sampling of pictures from the night.
Click here to see all the Trunk or Treat set up pics on Kingsway’s flickr.
Click here to see all the event pics from Trunk or Treat on Kingsway’s flickr.
Elephant, Elephant, GIRAFFE!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
I’m usually quite a big fan of being right, but not this time. We all said the trip would go by too fast, and unfortunately we were all 100% correct. I think we would all single-handedly agree that this trip will be forever on our hearts.
The morning began with our usual breakfast…and by usual I mean having three plates each so that our fruit doesn’t touch our cooked food and another for the fruit after we peel it (not that any of us are paranoid about getting sick or anything), and Steven making his own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (The peanut butter was imported from New Jersey, mind you). After ensuring that everyone has indeed taken their Malaria meds, we gather at the bus to begin our short ride to the kids that have already stolen our hearts.
God has been beyond good to us, and although a few of us have been suffering with certain sicknesses, God has continued to give the strength and energy needed! It makes you wonder what He wants to do in the lives of these kids this week with how many obstacles of body that have been coming up. I can tell you one thing: I’m pretty sure we’ve all increased our praying momentum this week.
There were so many highlights to the day. Too many to mention! One of the greatest things, though, is that the kids have really started opening up to us. Throughout their specified times of Boys Craft with Glenn, Spa time with Mel, Health Fair with Michele, Kely, and Heather, Sports with Nate and their English conversation class with Arlena and Steven, we all noticed a drastic change! Many times a child would find a certain team member, and just snuggle up (Arlena had her “snuggler” tonight!) They think Tim is the coolest person ever, I think.
We have officially taught the kids “Elephant Elephant Giraffe” in Kinyarwanda (duck duck goose), Simon Says, and Tag (That was fun to teach without a translator…). The girls are walking around with painted nails and there are paper airplanes everywhere. Everyone smells like sweat and doesn’t seem to mind. 60 kids even received Jesus as their Savior for the first time! Many of these pastor’s kids have never had the chance to receive Christ because its just assumed they have already. Your support is taking effect and we have NO idea how Jesus will use these kids in Rwanda and the world!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued prayers and love and encouragement… it’s needed and felt! Love you all!
Mel Greco
CAMP – Day 3
Click Here for more pics from Rwanda!
Hello Kingsway and all blog followers!
Yesterday was an amazing day from beginning to end. We were all too exhausted to even think about blogging last night. The day started with great testimonies from some of our team, Heather, Tim, and Stephanie. Yesterday the centers that the kids rotated through were puppetry, praise and worship, sports, and special meetings with the teenage boys and girls. The children loved every center and puppets here are like a multimedia experience in the United States.
Although everyone organized different centers nearly every team member experienced each center at least once, here are a few highlights of yesterday: Kely and Heather loved sitting in on the puppetry center. The kids loved seeing their peers up front doing puppets. Glenn was totally schooled on the soccer field by a little girl. Tim led the kids in a praise and worship session in his typical energetic and entertaining way. Stephanie and Melanie also led a praise and worship center and taught the kids the game of 7-Up. Nate and Stephen helped answer questions in the boys (12-17) center; Michele and Pastor Arlena helped answer questions in the girls (12-17) center. Needless to say, it was a full and fun day!
The service last night was full of worship (this includes exercise too) and a great word on the Holy Spirit given by Pastor Patrick, our missionary here. Many children were filled with the Holy Spirit. Children nearly ran over each other to high-five Tim, Glenn, Stephen and Nate on the way to their dorms. We were all blessed to serve this week. What an incredible time!
God bless,
Michele & Pastor Arlena
Goodbye’s the Saddest Word I’ve Ever Heard
Click Here for more pics of the team!
Hello friends!
On Friday, our team ate our normal breakfast, loaded onto our usual bus, said hello to our regular bus driver, Theo, and started our familiar trek to Kagarama Secondary School for the last day of camp. And, that was the end of any “usual-ness” to our day. We knew that we would only have a brief time with the kids before they loaded up on their buses to go home, we just didn’t expect how hard it would be to say goodbye.
Melanie, Stephen, Nate & Michele had an opportunity to share their testimonies and they did a fantastic job. I have to admit that it was wonderful this week to hear the stories from each team member of what God has done in their lives. Then, before we knew it, we were picking up gift bags and handing them into excited little hands. We’d try to squeeze in a hug, farewell high five, and a picture before they jumped onto the bus but it was challenging with over 200 kids. And, I think all of the team would agree, it simply went too quickly. There were lots and lots of tears as we said goodbye. Somehow, in the course of just a few short days, these precious (and some precocious) kids wormed their way into our hearts.
I think what made it easier for me was just seeing how happy they were. They LOVED the gift bags and like all kids opening presents, rooted through the entire bag to examine every treat. They left us with huge smiles on their faces. We know that many accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior for the first time. We know that many were filled with the Holy Spirit. The missionaries tell us that the special treatment lavished on them at the camp was such a blessing. Our prayer is that the love we poured into them will continually remind them of God’s love and help them through whatever comes next in their young lives.
On Saturday, we will stop by a nursery school in a village on the outskirts of Kigali. This is located in a predominantly Muslim area and is led by a pastor who fought in the RPF during the genocide. We’re excited to see his school and love on a few more kids. Then, we are off to the genocide museum. We know this will be difficult but important to understanding the people and history of this beautiful country. In the afternoon, we’ll be doing some shopping in a local market; tonight, our missionaries (who have been absolutely fabulous) will host us in their home for dinner.
On Sunday, we attend church one more time and then pack up to begin our journey home. You won’t want to miss service on 11/28. We’ll have stories that will touch your heart, pictures that will move you to tears, and testimonies that remind us of how much God desires to make a difference in our world using each of us. Since I won’t see you before then, hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
Love to all! Thanks SO, SO much for praying! Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
Church-Wide Fast Day 2
Ten days. Two hundred and forty hours. Eight work days and an entire weekend. In the next ten days, the average person will eat 30 meals and at least 20 snacks. The average person will watch at least 25 hours of TV. The average person will devote well over 120 minutes into some type of social media.
Ten days. Will you take this challenge to pursue God, to drink in all he has for you through his word, and connect with him through prayer? Will you sacrifice a meal, turn off your computer, unplug your TV? We sure hope you will!
What an incredible journey you are about to embark upon! Below, you will find the tools you need to help make these next ten days successful for you!
Fast Focus
Focus Through Prayer: Desiring the Whole Truth of the Word of God
Focus Through the Word:
- Matthew 4:1-4
- Amos 8:11-12
- Philippians 3:19-21
- Ephesians 2:11-22
What would it mean if you took time to savor the Word of God today? Going to your favorite restaurant or to a relative’s house for dinner, you most likely go with expectancy. Expectancy for what you will eat, hopes for what it will taste like, and what your favorite parts will be. Could you imagine if we entered our time in God’s word with this level of expectancy every time? As you read through the verses below, take time to savor the richness of God’s truth for you today! The same creator that longs for us to go on a quest for the truth of who he is also loves you enough to have a specific word for you in this very moment of your life. To savor means to give oneself to the enjoyment of!
Don’t rush through your time in the scripture today- allow yourself to enjoy the richness of God’s word!
Matthew 4:1-4- “ 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Amos 8:11-12- 11 “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign Lord,
“when I will send a famine on the land—
not a famine of bread or water
but of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 People will stagger from sea to sea
and wander from border to border[a]
searching for the word of the Lord,
but they will not find it.
Philippians 3:19-21- 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Ephesians 2:11-22- Oneness and Peace in Christ
11 Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.
17 He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. 18 Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
A Temple for the Lord
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
You will Crave-How will you Respond?
At some point today, if you haven’t experienced this already, your flesh will begin screaming for the things it misses- your favorite food, coffee, down time in front of the TV or computer. You will begin to see what desires control you. Allow yourself to travel to the desert where Jesus was fasting for 40 days. He was hot, tired, not well rested, and most definitely beginning to feel the extreme physical affects of not eating for a very long time. He was in the middle of a desert!
Let’s look at two things that are very important and have the potential to push you through those times today when your body begins to crave what it is lacking. First, Jesus was on a quest to connect with his Father’s heart. Don’t think that he spent his forty days wallowing in self pity wondering why he was chosen or asked to fast for such a long time. He took the time he was given to SEEK God FIRST. In addition, the enemy was right there tempting him, reminding him of the power he had to make bread appear. Jesus’ flesh was weak, just as weak as you or I would be if we fasted for 40 days. The overwhelming truth though was that his spirit was strong. He was filled with the Spirit of God and in the time of temptation, he fought the enemy with the truth and power of the Word!
Here is your truth today: ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ This is not a nice string of words that some nice man said. This is a powerful truth that came from the mouth of Jesus who now sits at the right hand of God making intercession (praying) for us! Jesus has been RIGHT where you are today- fighting the temptation of hunger and desires that have become too strong. Cling to his response as your hope today.
Think for a moment of the men and women spoken of in Amos 8. Imagine experiencing a time when God’s voice could not be heard. Not only could it not be heard but as hard as a person sought for Him, sought for His truth; the result was silence! Deafening silence! Sorry Indiana Jones, even you couldn’t find this one. People continued to search and continued to search and came up empty. They longed to be able to savor the Word of God. Many of us sit in a house with multiple bibles and access to any translation we could desire through the internet BUT we let days and weeks and months go by without taking a hold of the truth that’s right there for us to savor! Instead we have allowed our appetites to creep in and become god in our life, appetite for delicious food, appetite for acceptance, appetite for more, more, more.
Fill the Void!
Over the next ten days, as you let go of those appetites that have taken an unhealthy place in your life it is essential that you replace them. God longs for us to replace these appetites with a genuine hunger for the truth of his Word. Not just the Word of God in part but the Word of God in it’s whole complete message of life for you. Today, as you begin to make that transition, look at what His Word says about who you are in Christ. Stop and savor the truth of who you were, what Jesus has done for you, and who you are becoming!
Ephesians 2:1-10 reminds us that before Jesus, we were dead in our sin! Dead in your sin! Can you just stop for a second to let that settle in? Whether you were 4, 24, 44, or 64 when Jesus came into your life you left a state of being dead IN your sin. Allow God to give you a picture of what that looked like for you- not for condemnation but so you can begin to appreciate even more who are becoming! Verse ten tells us that we are “God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Again stop and take time to worship God for the truth of these words. While you were still dead, surrounded by the truth of your sin, God saw you as worthy not only to be worked on but to be reborn through Jesus Christ to do good things- essentially to live a life that brings glory and honor to God. If you’re not feeling overwhelmingly humbled by that truth stop here and pray through these verses until you begin to feel God revealing His truth to you. Jesus’ blood has brought you near to the heart, the plan, and the dream of God. Not only are you near it, you are in the center of it. We have been reconciled to God through the cross. To be reconciled is to be restored, to be brought into agreement and harmony. The creator of the universe so longs for relationship with you that he made a way for you to be restored to him, that your life would move and flow and be in agreement and harmony with his will, purpose, and plan. God doesn’t need you or me to complete his plans but he longs for us so deeply that he desired and made possible unity with him! It’s because of the work of Jesus on the cross that we can fast and pray and go on a quest for God and find him. You have access to your Heavenly Father right now-that is a scriptural right you carry as a follower of Jesus. Finally, not only can God be found but he has made the choice to live inside each one of us through the Holy Spirit! Are you walking in the power of the truth of this today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to you today weak and broken. I know that today I am going to fight cravings for the things I have let go of during this fast. Holy Spirit, I need your empowerment to help me to plug into the Word of God. Help me to savor the truth of the scriptures today even when my flesh in screaming. I choose to believe today that I do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God! I can make it through today denying myself those things my flesh feels it needs. God I long to seek after you like the people in Amos did but thank you that you have made a way for me to find you. Speak to me today, reveal to me those things that you long for me to hear. Jesus how could you, a sinless man, make the choice to take on the filth of my sin and die for me in such a humiliating way so that I could have access to my Heavenly Father? Help me to really grasp the truth of that today! I was dead in my sin but you saw me as worth dieing for. I pray the humility that comes from that truth never loses its power. Thank you God for making a way so I can search hard after you, find you, connect with you, and experience the power of your Holy Spirit living inside of me. Be real inside of me today.
There is nothing more important than the truth that is written loud and clear in the pages of the Bible. God would you stir up inside the heart of every person at Kingsway Church the desire to not only search your scriptures but also to uphold the whole truth of your Word. I long to be a part of a church that loves your word, studies your word, and portrays the fullness of it to those around us in our workplaces, our homes, our schools, everywhere we go. I pray that as you stir up in our church a deeper hunger for your word that you would equip our leaders Pastor Bryon and Pastor Arlena as they minister on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, RJ and Linda and they minister to our young people, and every life group leader who ministers the truth of the Word to those young and old. God give us and our leaders a love for the whole truth of your word, leaving nothing aside. I give you my life and I give you my church today! Do your work in us! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!
Focus Through Prayer: What Is Most Important
Focus Through the Word: Matthew 6:33
Take a few moments to read through today’s focus scripture. Reading a verse in different translations will help you gain a deeper understanding of what God was speaking through the author. Don’t forget to write down the things that God speaks to you as you read his word for today.
New Living Translation: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
New International Version: “But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and these things will be given to you as well.”
Amplified Version: “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all his kingdom and his righteousness (his way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”
God’s heart is so clearly and specifically portrayed in this verse. He longs for us to SEEK him FIRST. To grasp the fullness of what he is asking of us today and everyday, let’s take a deeper look into the meaning of these words.
In the Amplified Version, we see that the word seek means to aim at and strive after. It also means to go in search or quest of. Seek may seem mild and peaceful at first glance but what mild quest have you observed lately? Indiana Jones goes in quest of nothing mildly. He does whatever he has to in order to get to the middle of what he is seeking after! God wants us to go in search of the truth of who he is and what is most important to him with an Indiana Jones kind of passion.
First means before all others or anything else with respect to time, order, rank, importance, etc. The most important thing in our life is not simply to go in quest of who God is but to make that quest above all other things! Today, the Creator of the atom, the Creator of the concept of water, the Creator of the apple you are going to eat for lunch has one desire of your life- that you would go on an all out quest for the truth of who he is and that you would make that quest the most important event in your day.
Prayer: God! You are so Great! Even if I tried I could never comprehend the truth of your power. Still even in your greatness, you long for me to seek you and seek hard after you! Today, God I am seeking you for what is to be most important in my life. I pray that as I move throughout my day that you would help me sort through my life, my thoughts, my feelings, my motives. Reveal to me the things that I need to let go and help me to allow those things that should be most important in my life to take the place that you desire. Give me the ability to make YOU and seeking after you most important in my life.
God you have given me an amazing church equipped with leaders who strive hard after you. Would you help us as a church in 2011 to lock into what is most important to your heart? We long to go on a quest for your goal, mission, and plan for Kingsway Church. Holy Spirit, help us to find the heart of God for our church in 2011 and not stray from it even once. Help our leadership team to catch your vision for what is most important and continually lead us in that direction throughout this year. I surrender my life and my church to the work of your plan! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Deep within the heart of God, there is a plan, mission and goal for Kingsway Church and for you in 2011. Fasting is a spiritual discipline used by men and women for centuries to meld our earthly dreams and passions with God’s plan and ultimately with what makes his heart beat. Through this fast, we will pursue God’s plans for our church and for us as individuals.
Definition of Fasting: Throughout Scripture fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Biblical fasting always centers on spiritual purposes.
Over the next ten days, we will lay down our daily routines of eating, relaxing in front of the TV and spending time on the computer in exchange for pursuing God. We will exchange our daily distractions for the spiritual disciplines He longs for us to desire through reading the Bible, praying, and journaling.
Our hope is that we will experience a remarkable increase in our genuine hunger for spending time with our Creator.
Don’t forget, the idea is to be real about your goals, not concerned about following rules! Focus more on the details of your personal connection time with God in the coming days and less on your specific menu and you will be overtaken by the blessings designed to flow through a Spirit led fast.
Fast Framework
Sunrise, Monday, January 17, 2011- Begin Daniel Fast
If you are feeling led to partake in a fast that includes food, we recommend a Daniel Fast. Please see the information provided below to see what foods are and are not to be eaten on a Daniel Fast. (Remember, God is seeking hearts that are searching hard after him, not minds that have created the perfect menu!)
If you are limited by any condition that would keep you from completing a Daniel Fast, there are many other options! Continue reading under “Fast Foods” to see what you could give up during the coming days.
Sunset, Wednesday, January 26, 2011- Break the Fast
We will meet together as a church to fellowship and enjoy a much anticipated meal together.
Fast Forward
Take a few quiet moments before Monday at sunrise, to decide why YOU are doing this and what you hope to see happen through these next ten days . Are you hoping to read your Bible instead of eating lunch, spend time praying for the church on your car ride to work, take time to worship while your son or daughter naps instead of catching up on the latest news? What are you hoping to learn about God? What are you hoping he shows you about yourself? Set goals that you can attain! Pray that God would show you what HE wants to do through you and in you through your sacrifice. We encourage you to keep a record of your experiences. Write down your goals at the beginning, record your struggles and your victories as you walk out your plan each day, and reflect on the experience when you have finished the journey!
Fast Foods
A Daniel Fast is a partial fast. You will most likely be asked to give up at least one of your favorite foods but you will be provided with an amazing array of foods to choose from. Focus on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. A list of foods to eat and foods to avoid has been provided for you.
The reason we fast is to replace our daily distractions with extra special time with God. If a fast from a large variety of foods is not possible for you, choose something that will be just as meaningful but within your limitations. Here are some examples: give up a specific food or beverage, television, social media, other technology, or anything else that you could replace with genuine time with God!
* If you have any known medical conditions or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning the fast.
Foods to Eat
Fruits
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon.
Vegetables
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
Whole Grains
All whole grains including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
Seeds, Nuts, and Sprouts
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
Legumes
These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
Oils
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages
Spring water, distilled water or other pure waters, unsweetened soy milk, herbal tea, honey, natural fruit juice (no sugar added)
Other
Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to Avoid
Meat – All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
Dairy – All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
Sweeteners – All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
Breads – All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
Refined/Processed Foods – All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
Fried Foods – All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
Fats – All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages – Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
Great Questions to Ask
What is the purpose of the fast?
We are choosing to fast together like Daniel did. He made a decision not to eat the King’s food as an outward symbol of an inward commitment he had made to God. Let your choices over the next ten days reflect the hunger you have for God’s presence in your life.
Why should I participate?
God is certain to bless our life in new and exciting ways during the fast. We encourage you to write down your prayers and the many ways God reveals himself to you. We can’t wait to see what God is going to do in your life and in the life of our church!
How strict should I be with what I eat on the fast?
The list of food provided is merely a first step to get you thinking about making better food choices. Remember, this fast is about growing your relationship with God. He’s not as concerned about what is in your stomach as He is about what is in your heart.
Can I eat foods that are not specifically listed?
If you are not sure about a certain food, ask God to reveal to you whether it should be part of your diet over the next ten days. Since there is no definitive list of foods, for the Daniel Fast, it is truly the spirit of Daniel’s decision that we are imitating over the next ten days.
How can I involve my children?
Attempt to eliminate sugar, bread and possibly dairy from your children’s diet. Include whole wheat pasta and soy milk. Mostly, encourage them to eat what you are eating. You may also want to incorporate some chicken into your children’s meals for added protein. You will be surprised what your children may be willing to try when they are aware of the fast, why they are doing it, and that the whole family is doing it together.
If you are not looking to cut food out of your children’s diets there are many other ways to include them in the fast. Be sure to talk to them about the reason you are fasting and why you want them to be a part of this experience as well. Consider removing daily pleasures from your child’s routine such as computer and/or TV time. Encourage your children to ask God to show them something he would like them to sacrifice for him during the fast.
What if I have concerns about participating because of my health?
If you have any condition that would prohibit you from being a part of the Daniel Fast, you can participate in a different way! Choose something from your daily routine (i.e. specific foods or beverages, television, other technology, ect.) and fast in that manner for the next 10 days. Remember, the details are not as important as the spirit in which you participate.
Helpful Links
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-crazy-idea-of-fasting-in-09
2011 Expansion
Upcoming Events
NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED!!!
Goto www.kingswaychurch.tv for the latest action at Kingsway! [...]