Join us @ COR today as I conclude our "The Walk of Worship" series. Services at 9, 11, 1 & Span @ 4. Info @ http://www.church-redeemer.org
23 hours ago

Simplicity

This past week my wife and I had the opportunity to keep our two grandchildren.  We had a large cardboard box in our garage, and my wife had a great vision for it — a playhouse for Elijah and Jadyn.

I got the box out and put it on our patio, cut a few “windows” in it, and we let the kids play in it.  It was amazing to see how much fun they had with an old cardboard box.  They enjoyed it a lot more than most of the fancy toys we keep in the toy box for them.  It became a source of great joy to them, as you can see from the photos!

As I reflected on the enjoyment of Elijah and Jadyn with the cardboard box, I was reminded of the power of simplicity.  All too often we underestimate the potential and possibilities of some of the simplest things in life:

  • A marriage can be strengthened by a regular, simple walk together.
  • A relationship can be restored by a simple apology.
  • A friend can be comforted and encouraged by a simple phone call, note or kind word.
  • Our relationship with God can grow to new levels by taking the time for simple, daily conversations with Him.

The list could go on and on.

What about you?  What simple things can you do that might make a significant difference in someone’s life?

Take the time to turn your “cardboard boxes” into fun playhouses!

Pastor Dale

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Jesus Gives and Gives and ….

I wrapped up this weekend of ministry with our Spanish service this afternoon.  We had a great time of worship and sharing from God’s Word followed by a precious time of ministry.  We looked at the story of Jesus’ ministry to the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years.  Although she had gone to many doctors and spent all she had trying to get well, her efforts were all to no effect.  The story is found in Luke 8:40-48.

From this passage I talked about the desperation, humility, persistence, boldness and faith of this lady and Jesus’ response to her.  When she touched Jesus’ garment she was not only healed by the Lord, Jesus went even farther in His ministry to her and declared her to be whole.  While her physical need was met, Jesus also saved her soul and restored her emotionally.

This point brought to mind one of the great things about the Lord — His generous nature.  When we approach God with our needs, He is not only inclined to meet our needs, He gives us more than what we ask for.  This lady discovered the gracious and generous nature of Jesus that day.  She learned that Jesus gives and gives and gives and …!

This is the principle emphasized by the Apostle Paul in the following verse:

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us …"  – Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

This lady received more than she asked or imagined from Jesus that day.  You will too.  With faith, ask Him for your needs and trust His love and generosity!

Pastor Dale

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New Believers!

One of the most exciting things about church life is seeing people come to faith in Jesus Christ.  This past weekend our focus was on the new birth and the changes that happen in a person’s life when they open their lives to Jesus and make Him their personal Savior and Lord.

It was thrilling to see so many people make the decision to step across the line of faith and turn their lives over to Jesus.  It was an amazing weekend of spiritual harvest.

As I was reflecting on what God did in people’s lives this weekend I thought about a very important passage in the gospel of Matthew.  Take a look at what Jesus said:

“Now here is the explanation of the story I told about the farmer sowing grain:  The seed that fell on the hard path represents those who hear the Good News about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches the seed away from their hearts.  The rocky soil represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy.  But like young plants in such soil, their roots don’t go very deep. At first they get along fine, but they wilt as soon as they have problems or are persecuted because they believe the word.  The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced.  The good soil represents the hearts of those who truly accept God’s message and produce a huge harvest—thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.”  – Matthew 13:18-23 (NLT)

Here are a couple of good reminders for us from this passage:

  • New believers need to be reminded that their decision to commit their life to Jesus Christ will certainly be challenged by the devil.  If you are a new believer, the best thing you can do is to quickly get connected with a Bible-teaching church and with other Christians who can help you start growing in your new walk with the Lord.  At our church we have a great 4 week study that will help you do both of these things.  It is called Basic Training.  Get signed up for it right away.  You will be glad you did.
  • All believers should be reminded that we have the privilege and responsibility to pray for and support those who are new in their faith. We need to pray for their strength and for their protection from the traps and tricks of the evil one.  We need to pray for a great start and sustained commitment for them in their spiritual journey.

If you are a new believer in Jesus –– Hallelujah!  Get started on your pathway to spiritual growth.  If you have been a believer for a while, Hallelujah for you too!  Take up the role of a helper in prayer and encouragement for someone who has recently started their walk with Christ!

Pastor Dale

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Focused?

Focus is an amazing thing. Think about light. Focused light has great power. A laser beam is, in essence, a very focused, concentrated wavelength of light. Because of its focus, the power of the light is magnified and intensified.

The same principle applies in the way we approach our lives. An unfocused life is like diffused light. There is a lot of waste and limited impact. However, when we get focused, everything changes. We begin to see results.  In fact, growth and improvement in any realm of life starts with focus.

Focus is something we have to fight to maintain. It doesn’t happen without attention, concentration and effort. A broad band of light becomes laser light only when strict boundaries and discipline are enforced on it.

This is true for us as well. The kind of focus that brings positive and powerful results requires discipline.  Staying focused on the right things is a lifelong, daily challenge and responsibility. But when we enforce the discipline of focus on our work, our relationships, our walk with God or any other area of life, we can anticipate incredible and significant growth, progress and impact.

Let’s discipline ourselves to live focused lives.

Pastor Dale
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