There are plenty of things to follow these days. A few that come to mind are: news, sports, popular trends, social media and music. Without a doubt, the list is endless. As I’ve thought about it, I’ve realized something. When I choose to follow Jesus (ahead of all the other things vying for my attention) I find a clarity not found anywhere else. It reminds me of these verses:
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”— Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)
“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.” — Luke 6:47-48a
If we hear the words of Jesus and obey them, we’re like a wise man who builds his house on the Rock. When the storms of life come (and they will), we’re able to withstand them.
Our houses are certainly different and unique (walks with Jesus, relationships, marriages, parenting and finances). But all of them need to be built on the words of Jesus.
“And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” — Luke 6:48b
This new, practical series will help you dig deep to build your house with Jesus as the firm foundation.
Build Your House runs from October 9 – November 21.
Build Your House Service Times and Location:
Weekend services are on Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.
I really love serving God. I absolutely mean it. My heart longs to do more for Him. I love serving His people and playing music for Him. I love knowing Him more and more. Each day, I seek to bring honor to God by serving Him.
That being said, this verse in Psalm 50 has recently really impacted me. Prior to verse 23, God reminds His people that though they “sacrifice” to Him, what really brings Him honor is giving thanks to Him.
“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” — Hebrews 2:1
What’s the opposite of paying attention? It’s being distracted. It’s not listening carefully. When I’m working on an important project, I turn off distractions. I need to pay attention.
Admittedly, we live in an age of distractions. They make it difficult to connect with the people in front of us and also the Lord! Because of that, I made a decision ten months ago, to stop listening to the radio.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” —Revelation 3:20 (NIV84)
A few years ago, while on vacation in Maine, my wife and I went to a Bean Supper at a little church. We’d seen the sign on their lawn advertising “Bean Supper. All are welcome!” How could we pass that up? We arrived early, but soon realized we weren’t really welcome at all. Folks (who obviously knew one another) occupied every seat. No one acknowledged our presence or greeted us. Indeed, no one seemed to care. As a result, we left without eating a single bean. (I probably had to eat lobster … again!)
After that experience, we felt:
Unwelcomed and unwanted (awkward and out of place)
Unvalued and unaccepted (fell short of expectations or rules)
Unsatisfied (we were still hungry)
I know many people who feel unworthy after a bad church or religious encounter. Perhaps, that’s you?
Maybe you felt:
Unwelcomed and unwanted (awkward and out of place)
Unvalued and unaccepted (unable to meet expectations or rules)
Unsatisfied (still hungry for God)
If that’s you, I have good news for you. God has an invitation for you. He wants you to attend the most extravagant celebration ever imagined — the wedding feast of the Lamb. When you arrive, Jesus will eagerly meet, greet and seat you. Certainly, He will serve you as the guest of honor.
“Will you accept His invitation? Will you repent of your sins, humble yourself and come to Jesus?” You can then feast on His mercy, grace and forgiveness. Jesus is inviting you. However, you must come to the table. (Click here to find out more).
Jesus’ call on His disciples’ lives was clear — radical, but clear. In Luke 9:23 Jesus says, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” In a nutshell, Jesus says it’s a call to give up everything for Him.
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” — James 5:16b-18
Utah is experiencing a severe drought. In fact, 88% of our state is under extreme drought conditions. Due to this, back in June, Governor Cox said, “Because there is power in prayer, we are asking all of you and your congregations to join us in a weekend of prayer this coming weekend, June 4-6.” (On a side note, when I mentioned the governor’s prayer request to pastors in other states, they found it remarkable.)
A simple invitation could change the direction of someone’s life and eternal destination.
As part of our Mission To The City last week, a team of us passed out flyers around the Midvale City Park; we invited the neighborhood to a park party. We prayed together and broke down into smaller teams to distribute the flyers.
The group I was with had two littles who were thrilled about placing the invite on the doors. It was a great display of faith. They ran to the door, taped on the invite and ran back for the next one.
“Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us”— Philippians 3:17b
A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to celebrate Krista’s (my wife) parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. There were siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, visitors, well-wishers and distant relations. Naturally, we had a blast! As we celebrated their anniversary, we talked about fond memories, laughed and honored what the Lord had done in their marriage.
Were you raised in a church but haven’t been back in a while? Do you feel like you were judged or misunderstood? Maybe you distrust religion? Have you felt unsure of the need for a Savior? It’s so easy to feel unworthy, guilty or unsatisfied. If that’s you, perhaps it’s time to try something new? In this refreshing series, you’ll learn that Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are and renew your relationship with Him. It’s time to Rediscover Jesus. Join us as we encounter Him together!
