0 Comments
Jesus knew the challenge we face when it comes to praying. We frequently wonder, "what's the use? Why keep doing this when I'm not seeing anything happen?" Why does that happen? Why do we get discouraged? Well as noted, we don't see the answer that we're looking for? Now there may be reasons for that? God doesn't bend anyone's will, so if we are praying for people to get better or change and they are not willing, that's not the Lord's fault is it??? Sometimes we give up because we don't think we're "doing it right". Whatever that might mean. Sometimes we make bargains with God, like "God if you do this, then I'll do that". Jesus, knowing that praying is not easy, gave his men a couple stories on how they should pray and not give up. Sunday we're going to look at what it looks like to stay at it when we want to quit. Praying for Grown Ups. A bit different that when we were praying as kids. I hope you'll join me. See You Sunday Friend! Pastor Mike PS - How can we pray for you? Click here There's a popular clothing brand that has made a name for itself in the athletic world. Their tag line is simply "Protect This House". In the sporting world it carries with it the idea of being strong and "protecting" your home field, whether a basketball court inside or outdoor football stadium. It got me to thinking... isn't this something dads want to do every day? To Protect Their House. Protect their family. Their Financial House. Their Spiritual House. We all long to be Strong! To protect what's ours. To defend our turf. To stand our ground.Paul wrote a letter to a young man he considered a son. In it he spoke to him about how best to protect himself from the crazy world in which he lived. A world not much different that our own. Let me ask you- when you think of finding the strength to be a good dad or mom to your kids, where does that strength come from? How will you teach your kids to be strong? How will you protect your house. 2 Timothy 2:1 reminds us to be STRONG in the GRACE that is found in Christ JESUS. Let your faith be the strongest thing about you today. May your trust in God be greater than your fears about Life. PROTECT YOUR HOUSE the world says. But doesn't tell us how to do this! Find your identity & strength in knowing Jesus, in following Jesus. See You Sunday Friend! Pastor Mike PS - How can we pray for you? Click here Remember Sunday we're serving breakfast burrito's to everyone who shows up. Special Day for Dads! Hey, I'd like to invite you to join me this Summer to BE ABOVE AVERAGE! Your generosity back to the Lord is what allows StoneBridge to continue to help people grow in their love for Jesus, and see Him work in their lives. Data shows that the average Christian gives just 2.5% of their wealth to the God who gives us, "every good and perfect gift." (James 1:17) Could you and I be ABOVE AVERAGE this summer? Would you join me in making 8% the minimum you give back to Him? What happens when you give? Well for one, lives are changed! VBS changes the lives of kids & families. Our online services reach people to encourage them to pray and seek God. Students are encouraged to grow in their faith. The physical needs of the church are met. Staff are compensated. Your giving makes all this possible. TWO - Your life is changed as you give. For you to give ABOVE AVERAGE, you'll have to take a look at your financial health and rearrange priorities, which is a good thing. People who give back to God in an ABOVE AVERAGE way carry less debt. They enjoy healthier friendships. Their marriages tend to be more loving. Their trust and faith in God grow as they see Him provide. Hebrews 6:10 says that, "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." June, July, & August. Let's raise the bar of generosity this summer! BE ABOVE AVERAGE! Pastor Mike |
AuthorStonebridge Community Church is a Bible-based non-denominational church located in Dardenne Prairie, Missouri. Archives
October 2024
|