O Come Let Us Adore Him - Amanda Cook | Moment

The Lord’s Prayer with Chaplain Naomi Dassow

Can exalt His name together! Now I can pray with Naomi anytime! Nomi with The Lord Looking back on our 45 years together in marriage. Now that Naomi is with the Lord. I believe in God’s providence. Nothing happens by chance! All planned out before we were born. All details of our lives. Our meeting, marriage and Naomi’s last day on earth. I love Nomi and will still love her while we are temporarily parted. Waiting the great reunion in Heaven. First seeing Jesus face to face and then seeing Naomi. What a great reunion that will be. But thinking more of God’s providence.

Good to store some Joyful Songs in our Heart!

Good to store some Joyful Songs in our Heart!: Always good to store some joyful worshipful songs in our hearts to help us communicate with our LORD, day or night! The LORD is our strength.

Covid-19 and Easter Hope

 By Lauri Lemke Thompson

Thanks Lauri for the article!

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

So Thomas Paine wrote in 1776, but his words fit the pandemic of 2020. The sacrifices you are personally making by following the stay-at-home guidelines may not be as great as some who fought the American Revolution, but we are at war against an invisible enemy – and you may truly save many lives. So, first – thank you.

That said, many of us are feeling some anxiety. Little wonder.  According to Dr. Frank Minirth and Dr. Paul Meier in their book Worry Free Living, “Anxiety is linked more to the future, while depression is linked to the past. Depression is the past superimposed on the present, and anxiety is the future superimposed on the present.” Not knowing what will happen in the coming weeks and months with this seemingly runaway virus quite naturally can bring anxiety.

Matthew 6:34 says “So do not be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.” (The Living Bible) This is sound wisdom and an utterly reliable promise, but conquering our anxieties can be tough.

But What Will Happen?

Linda Dillow wrote a book called Calm My Anxious Heart. In it she points out “Certainly we are to pray, plan and prepare for tomorrow, but we are not to worry about what might happen….Walking with God through today’s twenty-four hours is difficult enough.”

“It is tomorrow,” said F. B. Meyer, “that fills men with dread. [But] God is there already. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass Him before they can get to us.”

What a comfort to know that God wants us to toss our worries onto His incredibly broad shoulders. In I Peter 5:6-7 we are told “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.” (New International Version).

Matthew 24:6 addresses our current situation and is meaningful in a couple Bible versions. “See to it that you are not alarmed” is the New International Version. In The Message it is stated thus: “Keep your head and don’t panic.” But even more clear (or blunt?) is well-known Christian Author Max Lucado’s unofficial interpretation in his book Fearless: “Don’t freak out when bad stuff happens.”

Pollyanna and Chicken Little

Further, Lucado advises: “Life stinks, but it won’t forever….Avoid Pollyanna optimism. We gain nothing by glossing over the brutality of human existence. This is a toxic world. But neither do we join the Chicken Little chorus of gloom and doom. ‘The sky is falling! The sky is falling!’

“Somewhere between Pollyanna and Chicken Little, between blind denial and blatant panic, stands the level-headed, clear-thinking, still-believing follower of Christ. Wide-eyed yet unafraid. Unterrified by the terrifying. The calmest kid on the block, not for lack of bullies, but for faith in his older Brother.”

Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse (the ministry that set up the 68-bed emergency field hospital in New York’s Central Park for Covid-19 patients) stated in several TV interviews “We want people to know God still loves them. He’s not mad at them, and He wants to help them through this.”

His beloved father, “America’s Pastor,” Billy Graham, said it well in his booklet called “Victory: Preparing for Resurrection Sunday” when he declared “God never abandons us when life becomes difficult. He is always with us and wants to help us, even when things seem to be going wrong.

“He does not guarantee to reverse every misfortune, but if Christ lives in our hearts, we have His promise that nothing ‘in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 8:39).”

“What a guarantee!” Reverend Graham went on. “Instead of being fearful about the future, at Easter we can trust and believe that God is working a purpose in our lives. We can have hope!”

Easter and Promises

Speaking of Easter, consider the words of Lee Strobel in his book The Case for Easter: “If Jesus overcame the grave, He’s still alive and available for me to personally encounter. If Jesus conquered death, He can open the door of eternal life to me too.” (Strobel, a journalist who was a confirmed skeptic about Christianity, doggedly researched the matter and finally concluded its claims were true).

God’s Word, the Bible, offers so many great promises to us in this extremely challenging time. Healthy fear keeps us washing our hands and keeps us out of public places unnecessarily. Unhealthy fear, though, may make us forget or doubt those great promises.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message, boldface mine).

So stand strong. We need faith-filled courage for these days. Not feeling courageous, you say? “Courage is simply fear that has said its prayers,” according to Dorothy Bernard.

Why I Get Up in the Morning

 To continue in my relationship with God, through His Son Jesus Christ, so that  I can:

1.     Be close to Him

2.     Worship Him

3.     Be a fragrant offering to Him

4.     To be a reflection of God into the world

5.     Be Holy as He is holy

6.     Show His love to the world…my family and neighbors

7.     Be an encouragement to people who He brings in my path

8.      

Pastor Matts sermon on August 25^th 2019  Prayer as Soul Shaping

     Prayer As -Soul Shaping With God.

Praying regularly for others

My limitations do NOT limit what God can do in prayer!

Colossians 1:9 

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^[

Praying for knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding…

Praying to Live Worthy of the Lord

Colossians 1:10-14

 ¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^[a] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. ¹³ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1                 Bear fruit of the Spirit

2                 Knowledge of God

3                 Patience

4                 Joy and gratitude

Bottom Line:

Living it out…not just knowledge or words, but Blooming Where I am planted …now.

Perspectives On The World Christian Movement: Class starting soon!

Why Should I Attend?

God has a "world-sized" role for every Christian in His global purpose.Whether people go to distant countries or stay at home is a secondary issue. The primary issue is what most people are hungry to discover: vision to live a life of purpose. Discovering that vision makes this course valuable, and perhaps crucial, for any Christian.

What one Alumni is now doing!

 

Next step would be to see the closest location to where you live

 

If outside the U.S, there are locations around the world

 

There are even ONLINE courses that you can take at your convenience 

 

Even Independent Study

 

An alumni perspective on "Perspectives"

God is on a massive Rescue Mission and we are invited to join Him!

Or "How to  not waste your life"  as John Zumwalt would say. 

What one Alumni did and is now doing!

 

Find a class and register now! First 2 nights are FREE!

  

You can purchase the book and Study Guide as a preview of the course

See my TWEETS on Twitter

Planning for the new year-Trusting in the Lord!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

Pray, Plan and Prioritize...


But don't get hung up on planning...the LORD can intervene at any moment and you can change direction! Keep your ears open!


"You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me" Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

 We often hear the words, luck, fate, and providence.

Theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul.  "God's sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills, without violating the freedom of those human wills." 

You found this page...by luck, fate or providence...?

As Oswald Chambers states : "The circumstances of a man's life are ordained by God. In the life of a saint there is no chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you cannot understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you." 

 So 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

Exploring Life's Purpose

Exploring Your Life's Purpose. Let's Journey Together

 

A safe place to explore questions about life and God 

 

Students: What's my purpose in life? 

 

Have you asked Jesus Christ into your life? 

 

Saturating 60 Millions homes by 2020

Monday morning: Our work and our calling.

It's Monday morning...and some of us are off to work or are we?

Maybe if we are believers...and attended church this weekend...we may be contemplating the message we  heard. How important is that to us. Any connection to the other 6 days of our week?  

Someone once said that if we are doing what we are passionate about...it's not work!

Sunday and Monday...any connection?

Our work: How important is it to us?

Who are we really working for?

Are we worshiping our work and working at our worship? 

Are we finding joy and peace in our everyday work?


Is this talk about finding peace confusing? 

How to find peace with God!

 

We are called to God first and then to our secondary calling…which may be our job, business, ministry or what we do in “retirement”

A word from The Call by Os Guinness

"Calling is the truth that God calls us to himself so decisively that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion, dynamism, and direction lived out as a response to his summons and service" P. 29

 The Lord created each of us individually with different Spiritual Gifts, Passions, Abilities, Strengths and a unique Personality with different Experiences. When we know what they are and how they work together then we can be most effective in our families, church, community and the world.  When we serve according to our SHAPE, we leave a legacy that gives glory to the LORD so when we stand before Him one day, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." 

 S.H.A.P.E   Spiritual gifts, Heart or passion, Abilities, Personality and Experiences. 

Read a good book recently:

 Answering the Call: The Doctor Who Made Africa His Life.

From “The One-Talent People.” Christian Herald. Sept 1949. P. 64  

“Always keep your eyes open for the little task, because it is the little task that is important to Jesus Christ.  The future of the Kingdom of God does not depend on the enthusiasm of this or that powerful person; those great ones are necessary too, but it is equally necessary to have a great number of little people who will do a little thing in the service of Christ.” 

            “The great flowing rivers represent only a small part of all the water that is necessary to nourish and sustain the earth. Beside the flowing river there is the water in the earth-the subterranean water-and there are the little streams which continually enter the river and feed it and prevent it from sinking into the earth. Without these other waters-the silent hidden subterranean waters and the trickling streams-the great river could no longer flow. Thus it is with the little tasks to be fulfilled by us all.”

Some excerpts from:  God’s Best for My Life by Lloyd John Ogilvie 

“What are we daring to attempt which could not be accomplished without His strength and intervention? So often we plan our lives around what we could do without Him on our own.  A sure sign that we are in communion with the Lord is that we are attempting what only He can do? Can you identify that in your life?”

How to find peace with God!

Jesus's mission for us.

"Thank you, oh my father For giving us Your Son And leaving Your Spirit 'Til the work on Earth is done."  Keith Green.

What is the "work" to be done?

Jesus's last words:

 

¹⁶ Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

A good reason to "Go"

1

We can't all GO physically maybe at this time...but here is a way we can start now. 

What part will you play?

Won't it be great to hear "Well done good and faithful servant..." when we stand before the Lord?

 1.  Mobilize  
John Piper once said, “Mobilizers are worth 100 goers”. Want to mobilize your campus or your church? Find out how at thenations.us/mobilize!

 2.  Pray
 3.  Send
 4.  Welcome
 5.  Go

Further help on each of these steps.

Perspectives On The World Christian Movement: Class starting Jan. 2020

 God has a "world-sized" role for every Christian in His global purpose.Whether people go to distant countries or stay at home is a secondary issue. The primary issue is what most people are hungry to discover: vision to live a life of purpose. Discovering that vision makes this course valuable, and perhaps crucial, for any Christian.

 

 

What one Alumni is now doing!

 Perspectives is a fifteen week course designed around four vantage points or "perspectives" — Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic. Each one highlights different aspects of God's global purpose.

The Biblical and Historical sections reveal why our confidence is based on the historic fact of God's relentless work from the dawn of history until this day.

The Cultural and Strategic sections underscore that we are in the midst of a costly, but very "do-able" task, confirming the Biblical and Historical hope.

 Why Should I Attend?

You have an epic role to play. You're about to experience God's heart for all peoples and encounter the momentum of the World Christian Movement. Perspectives will open the eyes of your heart with fresh knowledge and understanding of God's unchanging purposes and why they're relevant to your life. 

Whether you are single, married, student, homemaker, professional or retired, and whatever your current engagement in the church or its ministries, you will be drawn into exploring God's heart to restore His Glory among All Nations, ransoming His people from every tribe, language and culture!  (Rev 5:9)

Perspectives allows you to hear from 15 different instructors over the course of 15 weeks. All of them excellent and all of them passionate about this course. Some rank among the most highly-regarded missions leaders and mentors in the world and many will travel great distances to join us. They will challenge and inspire you with their wisdom and experience, opening your eyes to a new vision of God's mercy, greatness and love.

No matter who you are or what you do, Perspectives will help you learn how to live for God's Kingdom.

 

 

 

 

 

Next step would be to see the closest location to where you live

 

  If outside the U.S, there are locations around the world

 

There are even ONLINE courses that you can take at your convenience 

 

Even Independent Study

 

An alumni perspective on "Perspectives"

 

What one Alumni is now doing! 

God is on a massive Rescue Mission and we are invited to join Him!

Or "How to  not waste your life"  as John Zumwalt would say. 

Find a class and register now! First 2 nights are FREE!

 

You can just show up...go to 2 classes and then register.

Once you are an alumni of the course...you can then attend any class in the country...in future years...as many times as you want! All free. No further charge! Always good to hear new speakers and the latest strategic plans for making Jesus known!

My first class was in 2006 and attended many classes in later years.

Perspectives On The World Christian Movement Facebook page 

 

Milwaukee Perspectives page 

  A good reason to take the course.

What you can do after "Perspectives"

 

You can purchase the book and Study Guide as a preview of the course

A Biblical Perspective On The World!

Perspectives is a fifteen week course designed around four vantage points or "perspectives" — Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic. Each one highlights different aspects of God's global purpose.

The Biblical and Historical sections reveal why our confidence is based on the historic fact of God's relentless work from the dawn of history until this day.

The Cultural and Strategic sections underscore that we are in the midst of a costly, but very "do-able" task, confirming the Biblical and Historical hope.

Why Should I Attend?

---

God has a "world-sized" role for every Christian in His global purpose.Whether people go to distant countries or stay at home is a secondary issue. The primary issue is what most people are hungry to discover: vision to live a life of purpose. Discovering that vision makes this course valuable, and perhaps crucial, for any Christian.

Still time to register for this course!

First two sessions are free!

Come and check it out!

Get a new perspective on what Christian missions is all about!

  

Even if you are of another faith tradition or persuasion...see what passionate Christians believe!

There are four emphasis to the course: Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic...so whatever your interest is, you will be inspired. I came to the course about 9 years ago...with my main interest being "Strategic".  I came back for another 4 years...alumni are free to attend as often as you wish...in any part of the country. There are always new speakers!

Yes, there is a cost...but if you have a real need, there are some scholarships available...don't hesitate to come! 

You have an epic role to play. You're about to experience God's heart for all peoples and encounter the momentum of the World Christian Movement. Perspectives will open the eyes of your heart with fresh knowledge and understanding of God's unchanging purposes and why they're relevant to your life. 

Whether you are single, married, student, homemaker, professional or retired, and whatever your current engagement in the church or its ministries, you will be drawn into exploring God's heart to restore His Glory among All Nations, ransoming His people from every tribe, language and culture!  (Rev 5:9)

Perspectives allows you to hear from 15 different instructors over the course of 15 weeks. All of them excellent and all of them passionate about this course. Some rank among the most highly-regarded missions leaders and mentors in the world and many will travel great distances to join us. They will challenge and inspire you with their wisdom and experience, opening your eyes to a new vision of God's mercy, greatness and love.

No matter who you are or what you do, Perspectives will help you learn how to live for God's Kingdom.

 

Online Classes

 

Link to Study Guide for lesson 1

 

Find a class in any part of the U.S. 

  

More information at the Perspectives website:

 

 What is Perspectives? 

 

 Study Guide

Study Guide

What you can do as an Alumni! 

 

Milwaukee Perspectives on Facebook 

 

Follow on Facebook 

 

Follow me on TWITTER